Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for the advanced copy.
Much like EC Epitaphs from the Abyss Vol. 1, this collection is widespread and mixed in qualiThanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for the advanced copy.
Much like EC Epitaphs from the Abyss Vol. 1, this collection is widespread and mixed in quality. Nothing stood out as terrible, with even the 'worst' story being decent, but nothing stood out as great either.
The very first story (The Champion) actually made me cry and gave me higher hopes for the rest. A few could be middling episodes of Black Mirror (Priceless, for example). Some are concepts done better in other media (ex: Organ1c and Tender Is the Flesh). Then there are a few, decently effective, super short stories that are only a page or two... but most were perhaps longer than they actually needed to be.
I still really enjoyed this collection though, and I love things like this and want to encourage it to continue....more
Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan, and Feiwel & Friends for the advanced copy.
The title of this new comic, Arcana, sets up this world's version of magicThanks to NetGalley, Macmillan, and Feiwel & Friends for the advanced copy.
The title of this new comic, Arcana, sets up this world's version of magic and witches. Witches are any gender but they mostly tend to be part of the Arcana, a sort of leadership organization that monitors and cares for magical stuff and people. To introduce the reader to the world we first encounter Eli, a new young witch just discovering who they are, where they're from, and what they're capable of.
The book is organized in parts sectioned by Tarot, with each card start insinuating the content of that section, which is always a fun concept when done. It's not deep like tying together the meaning of the cards with the section content necessarily, but it's still a fun concept I really enjoy - for example there is a section called The Lovers that focuses on two of the characters as a couple.
Each of these card parts tend to focus on a particular character but the story is an interconnected one and there is the character of Eli that helps bind the stories and characters together, until you find out the true story and then I think they all kind of become main characters? I found this a little confusing at first, as it's not immediately clear that these slices of life are connected by plot. I would have preferred the connecting plot point staying present through each section of the book because the whole first half of the book comes off a series of cute vignettes -and they really are cute- in this magical world. The second half is then laid out with story and it's almost like whiplash, going from casual to serious and finally making the title make sense.
This book is also mainly art, with minimal writing (particularly in the first half). Not that I was looking for a novel but I would've liked a few more words to flesh out the story and the rules of this new world of magic that the author sets up. You don't even really learn what the Arcana is until halfway through. I'm always fascinated by magical systems so I want to know more. But I really enjoy Prentice-Jones unique artwork as well and the panels do add to the story as they should, I just wanted more!
And then... it all ends on a cliffhanger! Just as we're learning what's going on!! Yeah, I plan on buying this and following it lol I look forward to having it on my shelves for sure, but I'm also a sucker for a witchy story no matter lmao I also really love the representation in the story!
Following the artist on instagram now though, because really the art is adorable and unique and color grading is fun and pretty....more
Thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the advanced copy.
Firstly, the watermark on the ARC was a little too opaque and got in the way of the wordThanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the advanced copy.
Firstly, the watermark on the ARC was a little too opaque and got in the way of the words and art that made it difficult for me to read through this with my dyslexia but I persevered and managed to finish, and what I read wasn't bad!
IDW usually puts out some interesting horror and horror adjacent comics, and The Exorcism at 1600 Penn is another for the collection... just not my personal collection. I'm not normally big on religious horror but the setting of this one, the White House, intrigued me.
Hannah Rose May tries to do a lot and mostly succeeds - there's commentary around doomscrolling, negative thoughts, bullies, politicking, reactionaries, religion, etc nothing annoyed me though I think a stronger focus on one or two of these things rather than a whole bunch would have made the story stronger. Her President is newly elected as the first female president (and while the political parties aren't mentioned at all, it's pretty clearly a JFK-type Catholic democrat) and she turns out to actually be a side character lol
The main characters in this comic are the President's kids, Kevin and Mara. Mara, pretty early on, starts showing signs of possession, which is mistaken as a number of other things due to the new situation the family finds themselves in, shortly after the new President takes office. Aside from one of the potential reasons for Mara's behavior being linked to Havana Syndrome, I don't think the setting makes much of a difference and this story would have been the same if it were just like, a student at the school.
Overall it felt very much like a filler episode of Evil. Which, Evil is one of my favorite tv shows so I'm not mad, it's just that I hoped for and wanted more. If you like possession or religious horror, it's not a bad story to check out though. The art is reminiscent of Ben Templesmith's work as well, which I enjoyed. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for the advanced copy.
Somewhere between Six Flags and Disney is the fairy-tale theme park at the heart of MuThanks to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for the advanced copy.
Somewhere between Six Flags and Disney is the fairy-tale theme park at the heart of Murder Kingdom. I loved the idea of this one, a serial killer terrorizing the Magic Kin- I mean, Charmingshire? Sign me up! But it mostly left me wanting.
Tanith is a fun protagonist. She's clever, determined, and brave, occasionally to the point of stupidity, but mostly tries to make the best decision in every outrageous situation she finds herself in. The deaths are fun and cheesy, and I spent most of the book imagining this as a fun cheesy b-film, which only made me want more humor, of which there isn't much. But for such a cheesy story, humor would have benefited it.
I'm actually confused over the tone of this. It's obviously all very tongue-in-cheek, but then it also seems to take itself too seriously at times, before again jumping to something silly. I mostly think it would have benefitted from being a little bit longer. I think it needed another 15-20 pages of Tanith investigating, and playing cat and mouse with the killer.
Mad Cave always puts out interesting books though and I like picking up things from them randomly and always being surprised. Like, I wouldn't hate this book on my shelves at all, and I'll probably reread this again sometime (it's very quick). I'm just sad it didn't quite reach it's potential... but then, there is set up for a sequel, which I would definitely read....more
Sebastian has a secret that few know: he likes to wear dresses sometimes. I think this was a fascinating young adult graphic novel addreLoved this <3
Sebastian has a secret that few know: he likes to wear dresses sometimes. I think this was a fascinating young adult graphic novel addressing the spectrum of transexuality and blurring lines between men's and women's fashion during a time where gender norms were much more rigid (no comment on what we're facing in 2025 with these topics except to say that certain people could do with reading this book and learning some empathy, kindness, and compassion).
It's beautifully written, with a variety of reactions to the situation from the hateful to the confused to the understanding and loving. It feels real even when it's in a fantasy-esque historical world, and that's because Jen Wang does a great job in blending art and word to convey these real, complex human emotions.
Then the art - so cute!! I was obsessed with the dreaminess and cuteness of the art, that reminded me of old Disney and Don Bluth movies. I realized halfway in I was imagining the voices from Disney's Sword in the Stone and Robin Hood on these characters lol This would be beautiful animated in a Triplets of Belleville, 60s/70s Disney style. The coloring was stunning as well, very bright, very colorful and fun, really embracing the fashion aspect of the story.
I picked this on a whim, found by looking for books similar to Pumpkinheads, The Tea Dragon Society, and Sheets, and if you like those, you will very likely highly enjoy The Prince and the Dressmaker.
I really hope we get a sequel, I'd love to read more of these two characters!...more
It was bound to happen that I would come to the end of my bangers streak for graphic novels - I found this one to be just ok, especially after readingIt was bound to happen that I would come to the end of my bangers streak for graphic novels - I found this one to be just ok, especially after reading the likes of Sheets, which is so full of heart and soul. Mooncakes... I don't know if it was trying to do too much but in trying to cram everything in it wound up not doing much of anything.
I was hoping for a cute witchy baking romance but what this actually is a story about a demon wolf... with no explanations, no real commentary on the demon wolf thing, felt secondary or even tertiary to the the romance aspect of these two old friends coming back together - a relationship that relies on a background we barely get any of. I feel like I hardly know these people. More dialogue, more background, is needed to make this feel fleshed out.
I felt like I was reading a summary of everything that happened in the book. Also disappointed the art didn't help tell the story - it's cute and all, pretty at times with the forest spirits and all, but it didn't feel like it was supporting the story very much.
Cute but superficial, if you can find it free or on sale definitely give it a try. I see enough potential to check out more from this team at least....more
A wonderful conclusion to an incredible trilogy full of grief and love and fear and hope. I just love this series so, so, so much.
We're past the HallA wonderful conclusion to an incredible trilogy full of grief and love and fear and hope. I just love this series so, so, so much.
We're past the Halloween and autumn of Delicates, and reaching Thanksgiving and winter in Lights. Thummler draws some beautifully wintry scenes in this book - like somehow each book just gets more and more beautiful? Not just visually, but story-wise as well.
Marjorie and Eliza are new friends and are navigating what their friendship necessarily is, while Marjorie also attempts reconnecting with a couple of old friends (who just so happened to have bullied Eliza, regretfully, in the past). There's a lot of great discussion on the meaning and definition of friendships, of how things and people change. We see some really great character work in these scenes, with even the background/secondary characters shining at points. I'm sad we didn't see anything of Tessi in this though - I was wanting to see her growth from Delicates, but then this is Marjorie's, Eliza's, and Wendell's story.
Speaking of Wendell, we finally learn his whole, tragic story, as the mystery is one of the main focus of Lights' plot. We get a new "bad guy" in Tierney, a mysterious ghost hunter. I loved the slow reveals throughout the story, the peeks at Wendell's past that reveals everything bit by bit. By the big reveal you can see it coming but there's still satisfaction in the conclusion because you've been waiting for Wendell to find his peace this whole series.
I am so sad this is the finale, I'd read a hundred more books of this. I seriously cannot recommend this series enough, particularly for those young girls in your life who may need a word of encouragement or two. This is an uplifting, hopeful story at the end of the day, framed through those common feelings of grief, loss, and fear that we all experience.
This is one of the best series I've ever read....more
4.5 stars rounded up. This is an incredibly cute autumnal young adult story about two best friends, and I honestly couldn't have asked for anything el4.5 stars rounded up. This is an incredibly cute autumnal young adult story about two best friends, and I honestly couldn't have asked for anything else right now. What a pleasant, joyful read.
Josiah and Deja are two BFFs who work together at a seasonal pumpkin patch/autumn fairground. It's their last night there before they go off to college, after working there for basically all of high school every autumn. There's some good conversation about seasonal friends vs work friends vs school friends and all year friends. I think that's a hard realization for kids to come to when they finally go off to school, or when their friends do, and that something is about to change. Pumpkinheads is all about change, and how to accept it eventually as something better may be on the way - you won't know until you've tried!
The art is also very nice to look at, with beautiful fall coloring and fun visual gags in the background of the panels (my favorite being the goat on the run lol). My only reason for giving it 4.5 stars over an even 5 is because it sometimes reads as for a younger reading level than the teens it's meant for. Nothing wrong with that, but I would've liked another 10 pages of serious material interspersed between all the running around, let Josiah and Deja's conversations get more real and serious.
But then I needed light-hearted right now! I really enjoyed my time with these two characters. It made me wish I lived near a cool pumpkin farm like the one in the story....more
Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for the advanced copy.
Solid space horror that leaves to many questions and like, no answers. I don't mind a lack of Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for the advanced copy.
Solid space horror that leaves to many questions and like, no answers. I don't mind a lack of answers but give us something? The story jumps forward at one point and it feels like there was a chunk that was cut out... the art was interesting but I would've liked color because it doesn't feel like the black and white was really utilized in any special/meaningful way to make the lack of a color have a point. Again, not that it needs to but all of these pieces put together gives the book an unfinished feeling, and I couldn't shake the dissatisfaction at the end.
Hurd-McKenney also gets a little bit into childhood abuse and the lasting trauma, repressed memory, psychological issues, etc but it feels all surface level. Just as the story starts to go deeper into any of these topics, is when it suddenly ends.
If there's going to be more, I think this is worth the read, otherwise there is better out there. I'm sad at the wasted vibes because the idea and visuals are so cool....more
Thanks to NetGalley, Mad Cave Studios, and Maverick for the advanced copy.
Tectiv is a post-apocalyptic post-crime crime graphic novel lol Set hundredThanks to NetGalley, Mad Cave Studios, and Maverick for the advanced copy.
Tectiv is a post-apocalyptic post-crime crime graphic novel lol Set hundreds of years after the fall of civilization, the citizens of Ellay (L.A.) live a life of communal trading, in peace with the mutants and talking animals in the wildlands around Ellay. We don't get much background on just WHAT happened or how, but the talking animals and existence of mutants hints at something nuclear. I wish Hamilton gave us a bit more background because I kept finding myself wondering how these people and their culture came to be where they are. There's also commentary on technology and robots, in that there is some conflict between humans and mutants and robots or people robotic parts? Again, I wish Hamilton gave us a bit more on this, especially as the bias does play a part. There's much that could have been said particularly with one of the bad guy's reveals that just... doesn't explain anything. Frustrating.
But of course just because someone says they're post-crime, post-everything, living in peace, doesn't necessarily make it true. Luckily for Ellay, Bingo loves scavenging for old books, especially Tective (detective) novels of the noir variety. Hamilton has some fun bring noir detective tropes in a post-apocalyptic world where most people don't know or understand the tropes, but it does feel a bit goofy at times. The mystery isn't overly complicated or twisty either and I wound up being spot on with the bad guy, though there's the hint of a larger scheme at play that Hamilton may address in future issues.
The art by Marco Matrone is perfectly fine. I think my copy had an issue because it was all a little blurry? Unless that was deliberate? Hard to tell but if so, it feels like a mistake. But nothing really stood out aside from a few panels of the overgrown LA. The coloring was fun though, especially with the mutants and exteriors.
Overall an interesting story and setting, with some promise for future installments. Tectiv is an interesting and unique take on the detective noir genre.
Oof, hit me right in the feels again - Thummler's Delicates is even better than the first, Sheets, as we get to know more about the people in MarjorieOof, hit me right in the feels again - Thummler's Delicates is even better than the first, Sheets, as we get to know more about the people in Marjorie's life, like her classmates. Thummler expands on Sheet's dealing with grief and loss and adds in the pressures of school and bullying. I like that we get to see the bully's life too, and her reasons for being who and how she is (not that there's any excuse of course, but there are always reasons). Thummler gets into what it's like being different and ostracized for those differences, and I just couldn't help but relate to, well just about every character in a way, but especially Marjorie's new friend, Eliza.
Eliza becomes a large secondary character, and we follow her attempts to catch ghosts on film, and we learn why she's so obsessed with ghosts. We see her struggles at school as she aggressively embraces who she is and doesn't even try to fit in, and I love that the lesson here is that you don't need to fit in, there are friends out there for everyone and it's about opening yourself up to those potential friendships. You won't be friends with everyone and that's ok. That's something I have to remind myself of even today.
The art is, again, BEAUTIFUL. The coloring is especially standout, with the muted pastels and darks of night and sunsets. It accompanies the writing wonderfully and really helps to evoke sadness but hopefulness at the same time.
Thoughtful, gut-wrenching, full of hope... what a terrific story. I cannot wait to read the third book, and I'm so glad I bought the series! My 10 year old niece is also a fan of these books, and they're especially relevant to her as she starts middle school soon. This is a terrific middle grade graphic novel series, I heartily recommend to absolutely everybody. I think everyone could do with reading these books lol
Clearly I'm late to the party for Sheets by Brenna Thummler.
Is it as good as everyone says? It is! Did it make me cry a little? It did!
This is one ofClearly I'm late to the party for Sheets by Brenna Thummler.
Is it as good as everyone says? It is! Did it make me cry a little? It did!
This is one of those stories that will stick with you and make you think about it for ages after you've finished it. Marjorie is a pre-teen going through the tragedy of losing her mother, her father disassociating into depression, and is also going through all the trials and tribulations of junior high, all while trying to keep her family's business afloat and safe from a money-grubbing a-hole trying to buy the place out from her (or rather, make her family indentured servants and just take the laundromat).
Obviously there's a degree of suspension of disbelief -it is a story about ghosts afterall- but the character of Mr. Saubertuck seemed a bit TOO cartoony villainous. It's a middle grade story but he could have been a real threat without the silliness of him just wanting to commandeer the laundromat and enslave Marjorie's family. The real anger comes from Marjorie's treatment by those around her, particularly the store's customers.
Basically, you can't help but feel for Marjorie and you're likely to shed a tear or two for her or her ghost friend Wendell.
The art is stunning and the color-grading is unusual in a lovely washed out autumnal way. It gets especially impressive when Thummler does wide shot panels and landscapes. I was especially taken by the panel on page 234, of Marj and Wendell under a full moon - just beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
I'm obsessed with this story, totally in love with it, cannot wait to read the sequels and share this with my niblings!
The perfect middle grade graphic novel for the twee little pre-teen future-goth in your life, lol I cannot wait to share this with my niece, who I thiThe perfect middle grade graphic novel for the twee little pre-teen future-goth in your life, lol I cannot wait to share this with my niece, who I think will relate a lot to Lora.
Yee tells the story of a 12 year old girl on the cusp of childhood and those pesky hormonal teen years. She's not ready to grow up and put away her imagination or desire to jump in a pile of leaves and play make believe. Her friends are all starting to pull away, as they find more grown up interests and Lora finds she can't relate to their online lives, which makes her isolate herself for fear of rejection. It's a very relatable story that I think most kids will understand as those pre-teen years are tumultuous for most.
But then Lora meets Alexa, the ghost of a young girl. They quickly become friends and, with each other's help, they both grow up a bit. Alexa helps Lora understand that her friends are still there, but even if they do grow apart, she's growing into the person she'll become and so long as she remains genuine to who she is, she'll always find others who relate to that and will like her.
Yee's art really brings to life the magic and imagination of the story, with lots of whimsy and beautiful coloring. I loved the autumnal vibes of the story as well, and there are a lot of gorgeous outdoors scenes with red and orange leaves. I'd love to have some large prints of some of the pages, just to frame on my wall lol
Just as adorable as the first book, Garlic and the Vampire! I am just so in love with the art and these characters, they are all just so cute and loveJust as adorable as the first book, Garlic and the Vampire! I am just so in love with the art and these characters, they are all just so cute and lovely and it warms the heart.
In this outing, Garlic has to contend with changes: leaving her village and forest for the very first time, and going through new physical changes as a result of the magic that Witch Agnes used to make all the fruit and vegetable people. Very much a metaphor for puberty and going off to high school, and as usual nervous Garlic battles her initial nerves to find the courage within her to face and embrace these changes. Or well, not even just face and embrace but also find the joy and excitement in such changes.
I just really love how these people and creatures all interact. They live a very communal life and live in support of each other. While the story technically ends with this last entry in the duology, I do hope we someday get more stories of Garlic and her veggie friends.
Again, I highly recommend picking up the physical copy for the beautiful art! ...more
This is the cutest, sweetest, most heart-warming, autumnal little comic about a living bulb of garlic you will ever read, I promise!
Garlic is an anxioThis is the cutest, sweetest, most heart-warming, autumnal little comic about a living bulb of garlic you will ever read, I promise!
Garlic is an anxious little bulb, constantly late and clumsy, but with a big heart and great compassion for others. Her best friend Carrot is her biggest supporter, though it seems all the living fruit and veg get along well for the most part, which is very cute. There is the boring old Celery though, who can be a bit rude at times, but this is a generally happy little village, watched over by Witch Agnes (who brought them all to life). They spend their days growing non-sentient fruit and veg for the local village, and I appreciated Paulsen adding a bit of back and forth to explain that because your first thought may be "cannibalism?!" but that's not how it works lol
One day they notice smoke coming out of the old vampire castle and, not knowing if there's danger or not, they all vote to send poor anxious Garlic to confront this potential vampiric threat... because vampires don't like garlic, of course!
Not going to spoil the rest, but you can probably figure it out because this is an one of the most adorable, autumny middle-grade comics ever. I love the simple message of finding courage to do the right thing, and not judging a book by its cover. It is simple, but effective, and you can't help but feel your heart explode when faced with these adorable little veggies.
I cannot wait to share this with my niece and nephew! 100% recommended to get the print version btw - you can get it for deal on Amazon or ThriftBooks and it's totally worth it for the beautiful art alone.
Another beautiful, weird Junji Ito book, but not my favorite.
Weeping Woman Way - some interesting visuals but a strange, meandering story with littleAnother beautiful, weird Junji Ito book, but not my favorite.
Weeping Woman Way - some interesting visuals but a strange, meandering story with little depth
Madonna - Not a fan of religious horror but this one had some interesting visuals as well. Would make for a decent movie, I think.
The Spirit Flow of Aokigahara - my favorite of the bunch and so, so, so weird. I'll be thinking of this for a long time. Freaked me out.
Slumber - Super basic serial killer type story, disappointing, no interesting visuals either. Bland.
Overall I think this is a collection for die-hard Ito fans and collectors, but not a good place for anyone new to him or they may come away unimpressed and disappointed. ...more
Wonderful art, some of my favorite of Ito's, honestly, it's just beautiful. A sci-fi cosmic lightly horror story, the horror is a lot more subdued. NoWonderful art, some of my favorite of Ito's, honestly, it's just beautiful. A sci-fi cosmic lightly horror story, the horror is a lot more subdued. Not a fan of the religious angle either, personally, unless the horror is leaned into far more. Sensor just moreso touches the surface of horror, flirts with it, but leans more with the religious sci-fi mystery concept more than anything.
I do love the art though and am glad to have this on my shelf. ...more
A creepy cosmic horror about a town infected by spirals and the people within it. Only a four star read for me because it got to feeling a bit repetitA creepy cosmic horror about a town infected by spirals and the people within it. Only a four star read for me because it got to feeling a bit repetitive at times in the second half, though still great cosmic horror. I love a good monster but I love love big unknowable horror like Uzumaki - how do you fight or defeat the infection of a shape??
Absolutely fascinating and obviously incredibly well done. Had to finish this in time to watch the tv adaptation that just started, cause I can only imagine this being spookier with the spirals animated!!...more
Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for the advanced copy.
I didn't quite know what to expect with this one but I really enjoyed it! The author's note aThanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for the advanced copy.
I didn't quite know what to expect with this one but I really enjoyed it! The author's note at the beginning says that she went into writing the story with just the idea of a murder-mystery subscription box and it became a story about friendship and grief.
And Cuartero-Brigg's story really does well with its depiction of changing friendships and their complications. The story starts post-conflict, with the lead character, Jill, re-engaging with her friend group a year after her mom went missing. She's repressed any hope and grief and just wants things to get back to how they were, some semblance of 'normal'. Her friends, Ginger, Cher, O'Brien, and Clyde also are all experiencing their own grief or conflict in some way, to varying degrees of severity.
Because this is mostly Jill's story though, we don't get too in-depth into the other characters, except for maybe Clyde, the new girl and semi-antagonist. Throughout the book Clyde and Jill butt heads and snipe, due to lack of communication and misunderstandings. Working together on the case continues to raise emotions as well, as it stirs up painful memories for both girls. The relationship between the two of them is the one I'm most interested in seeing more of, though I think it was wrapped up nicely by the end.
As to the actual murder-mystery - there is indeed a couple murders and mysteries, but they mostly take second fiddle to the relationship drama and character growth. I don't mind this, tbh, and actually like it in a comic most of the time, but this one felt a sudden jolt, with the story just ending and the motive laying unanswered. And of course - it's left with a door to more issues or another volume, with the reveal at the end and the mystery of Jill's mom still out there. I wanted to take a star for the lack of motive reveal but that felt extreme for what's really a drop in the bucket in a mostly fulfilling story.
The art, by Roberta Ingranata is good too. I love her background design, it's detailed in such a way that makes the book feel quite lively. Night scenes are especially well done, with great use of shadow and shading, just very cool, dynamic stuff.
I really, really enjoyed this and am looking forward to more (hopefully)!...more
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