In Glitch, Vol. 1, a Japanese exchange student sees dark shadows on his first day in a new high school. On the way home after picking up his younger sister, they both see the same shadows. There are relieved that if they are both seeing it, it must really beContinue Reading
“Fourteen competitors. Seven Days. A thirty-minute hiding window given at the dawn of each day. Gameplay continues until dusk…” So, begins Hide: The Graphic Novel, which is set in an abandoned amusement park in a cellphone free zone. One winner gets $50,000…but what happens to the losers? A gripping plotContinue Reading
The artwork in Dahlia in the Dark Vol. 1 is great. However, the plot is confusing. While the idea of a fairy world living side-by-side with humans is intriguing, the execution is choppy, and the characters are paper thin. It’s a shame. 3 stars. Thanks to Mad Cave Studios andContinue Reading
Sherlock Holmes—The Final Problem is a new illustrated edition of the famous short story. The illustrations are reminiscent of German woodcuts. They are beautiful. The text is abridged from the original version, which may make the story more accessible for younger readers. Though originally published in 1893, the story holdsContinue Reading
Sacred Lamb is a place where serial killer survivors are placed by witness protection. If a gang of undead serial killers is looking for a challenge, I’m thinking this town is the perfect location for their next party. I’m not sure if this graphic novel is an homage to myContinue Reading
Four oddballs meet on a website called Black Paradox to plan for their mass suicide. When that doesn’t work out for them, the comedic horror turns into a bat poop crazy science fiction plot. It’s definitely not a boring twist, but not entirely comprehensible either. I think Black Paradox wouldContinue Reading
In Wait Till Helen Comes, Michael and Molly are siblings who have a troubled younger stepsister named Heather. When their blended family moves to the country, Heather appears to have found an imaginary friend, Helen. Molly thinks Helen is a malignant ghost bent on killing children. But, Michael, their momContinue Reading
Akari is a typical girl trying to fit into her clique in Japanese high school. All the boys look the same to her. None seem hot to her. But Yuki intrigues Akari. Yuki doesn’t feel the need to blend in with the other girls. In fact, her calmness makes herContinue Reading
In October 1918, Private Maxwell is running from a bomb during World War I. In flashbacks, it is shown how Maxwell got there as one of The Stretcher Bearers in the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne. The book puts the reader directly in the action as a stretcher bearer in WWI.Continue Reading
In Bountiful Garden, six teenage scientists awaken ten years early from their cryostasis. They have been selected by Earth to begin a new civilization on a planet far away. Their ship is trapped above an unknown planet. The team splits up with three exploring the planet and three attempting toContinue Reading
Is Pinball gambling? New York City thought so from 1942-1976. But in 1976, it was once again legalized and came back with a vengeance both there and across the US. If you remember playing Pinball fondly, this graphic biography is a compelling read. From the game’s history to each innovationContinue Reading
Zmeu is a demon summoned from Hell by a child’s game. He quickly kills young Vadim and kidnaps another child. Luckily, the town has an albino religious healer who fights Zmeu and wins. The family prays to see Vadim again at his funeral. It’s a case of be careful whatContinue Reading
In the new graphic novel Girl on Fire, Lolo is fourteen but already in tenth grade with her older brother, James. Their father, Billy Wright, owns his own moving company. Their grandmother, Vivian, lives with them in the projects. High school in the inner city is tough on Lolo. SheContinue Reading
If you have a family member or friend that loves all things Japanese or sushi in particular, you can’t go wrong in gifting them The Art of Sushi. The book tells the tale of how a French manga artist learns everything about sushi from two Japanese chefs and their suppliers.Continue Reading
Trese Vol 3: Mass Murders is the origin story for the streaming anime. It is set in an alternate world. The manga begins with Alexandra Trese at 16 learning her investigative skills. It also relays the origins of her mask-wearing sidekicks, the Kambal. I watched the anime first, which mightContinue Reading
The Earth is dead, and humanity has moved into deep-space habitats in Brink Book Four. Bridget Kurtis and Gita Gibrani were habitat police officers working on the mysterious disappearance of Mercury. Soon, the feds stepped in. Both women were promoted and sent to separate habitats. However, they continue the investigationContinue Reading