Synopsis

Maika, Kippa, and Ren return to their own world to discover a full year has passed in their absence—and Zinn is back in the clutches of Maika’s father, the megalomaniacal Lord Doctor. From the relative safety of the pirate-controlled Spice Islands, Maika and her friends must regroup, recover, and find a way stop the Lord Doctor’s murderous rampage before he destroys the Known World.

Review

*This review contains SPOILERS for the Monstress series by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda.*

Monstress continues to be one of the most captivating and well plotted series that I have ever read. Each year I look forward to reading the newest installment in this epic fantasy/science fiction series and I have become incredibly attached to the characters author Marjorie Liu and illustrator Sana Takeda have brought to life. As Monstress progresses, I am in constant awe of the complexity of the worldbuilding and the deft, beautiful way that the plot continues to unfold. Due to the complexity of the series, I also find it helpful (and fun!) to reread the series in its entirety before reading each new volume in order to keep myself “up to date” with Maika Halfwolf and the Known World.

Volume 8: Inferno was a complicated, heartbreaking addition to Maika’s journey that took turns that some readers struggled with. Upon reading Volume 9, I found myself incredibly impressed by Liu’s planning and the ability to develop the history of the world(s) and characters she created while showing the nuances of war, power, growth, love, loyalty, and oppression. Monstress is truly a masterclass in storytelling with The Possessed reintroducing readers to characters from previous volumes and delving deeper into lore.

After spending Volume 8 in the world of Golga, the prison-planet of the Old Gods, Maika, Kippa, and Ren return to the Known World to find it being overtaken by the Lord Doctor, who has untethered the connection between Maika and Zinn and attached himself to the powerful monstrum. However, the Lord Doctor continues to be perplexed by his inability to link himself fully with Zinn. While reading I began developing my own theories as to the reasoning behind this somewhat failed connection. I feel that a lack of autonomy and consent are the most likely causes and I’m fascinated by this portrayal and the way that Liu asks readers to question power dynamics within relationships.

Volume 9 also reiterates the importance of community/support through the characters of Maika, Kippa, and Ren who we learn have a mysterious, powerful connection to one another that has even sparked the interest of Maika’s foes. This trio of characters remain a light in this dark, violent world and I love seeing the ways that their relationships change and grow as they learn more about themselves/each other. Whether this trio of heroes has been brought together by fate or chance is yet to be determined, but Liu provides a satisfying look at the complications of love as these characters examine their roles in each other’s lives.

Monstress has always handled themes of oppression, dehumanization, and the impact of war with immense thought and care. I felt that Volume 9 did an excellent job expanding upon these themes, recognizing that the oppressed can sometimes become oppressors themselves. While the series has never shied away from depicting violence, The Possessed skillfully portrays the trauma of war and how those in places of power enact cycles of abuse/trauma.

The Possessed feels like the beginning of something greater to come for the Monstress series. Maika is preparing to face her father but may have greater foes to conquer as the Defiled set the bearers of the Mask of Power in their sights. It seems that the Cats and their abilities in world-walking will become vital in the battles to come, too. As Maika uncovers the truths about her family, past, and her abilities she will also have to battle internal struggles and trauma of her own to save the Known World for Arcanics and the Federation.

Monstress has cemented itself as an all-time favorite series of mine and I am excited to read the next volume. Takeda’s art is truly breathtaking and deserves the highest praise. Liu’s portrayal of mental illness, the strength of community, and political complexities are incredibly well done and implemented seamlessly into a unique, matriarchal fantasy-setting. I’m looking forward to seeing some of my favorite characters return (looking at you, Lord Corvin) and uncovering more of the mysteries surrounding Maika and Zinn in Volume 10.

Synopsis

COLLECTED IN HARDCOVER FOR THE FIRST TIME!

Originally only available on PanelSyndicate.com, this oversized hardcover features a story firmly set in THE WALKING DEAD comic book continuity by BRIAN K. VAUGHAN (SAGA, PAPER GIRLS) and MARCOS MARTIN (THE PRIVATE EYE, BARRIER).

Review

Found this while browsing Skybound’s Black Friday sale. I didn’t know there were in-universe stories I hadn’t read yet, so I rectified that real quick. This one and the YA Clementine trilogy, which I really look forward to. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out my all things TWD post here!

This is a one off story featuring Jeff. Jeff is looking to find himself, do a bit of traveling while he does, and sadly finds himself quarantined inside Barcelona when the zombie apocalypse starts. He’s a good guy, which the reader finds out quickly, as he tries to save a kid from being attacked. He isn’t successful, but luckily he is saved by a Spanish armor wearing woman with a halberd. (That really got my mind racing on some museum robbing zombie stuff). Someone to ally with, and also someone with a plan to get out of Spain. 

This was awesome frankly. Not only is it a canon story, it’s the first time we see something outside of America in the Walking Dead. There a mixed rumors that foreigners both brought the illness in, as well as America having the cure figured out. Readers of the series will know that’s not true, but it was cool to see another part of the world. This seems pretty close to break out as well, as Jeff seems kind of like an amateur still. 

You’ll end up with lots of wondering about what could have been if this one off didn’t end. And what a solid reveal that I did NOT know about. 

I really enjoyed the black and white art mimicking that of the full series, and the splashes of red were just perfect at the end.

Synopsis

The New York Times bestselling comics series that was the inspiration for The Umbrella Academy on Netflix!

In an inexplicable worldwide event, forty-three extraordinary children were spontaneously born to women who’d previously shown no signs of pregnancy. Millionaire inventor Reginald Hargreeves adopted seven of the children; when asked why, his only explanation was, “To save the world.”

These seven children form the Umbrella Academy, a dysfunctional family of superheroes with bizarre powers. Their first adventure at the age of ten pits them against an erratic and deadly Eiffel Tower, piloted by the fearsome zombie-robot Gustave Eiffel. Nearly a decade later, the team disbands, but when Hargreeves unexpectedly dies, these disgruntled siblings reunite just in time to save the world once again.

• This volume collects the first six-issue series, as well as out-of-print short stories and an expanded sketchbook section featuring work by Gabriel Bá, James Jean, and Gerard Way.

• “Flawless…stylish, imaginative.”—Newsarama

Review

Finally popped open my box set of Vol1-3. After finishing the show, I knew it was time to get to the source material finally. 

If anything, this comic is more off the rails than the show! Which does make sense, but the show was pretty out there to begin with. A group of babies are all born at the same time, mostly to women that were not noticeably pregnant beforehand. For some reason, Reginald Hargreaves sets out to adopt as many of them as he can, eventually succeeding with 7. As he raises them, it’s apparent that he doesn’t do so out of the kindness of his heart, as each child is only bestowed with a number as a name. And eventually he launching them as their own children led superhero group. It’s apparent that they have their own rogues gallery, as well as some serious successes (and losses, aka Ben) but this is focusing on the adult versions of them. 

00.05 has been stuck in the future, desperately trying to solve how to return. When he finally does, something wrong happens, and he is stuck inside his body from boyhood. His return is nothing if not timely, as they have just days to stop the end of the world. 

While much of this is like season 1 of the show, it differs in some subtle ways, and in some major ways when it comes to 00.07. There are some absolutely explosive and brutal panels in this, with blood and gore that surprised even me, and it was really cool to see them in full color (reading through TWD had the volumes’ covers in color, but the panels in black and white). The main thing that stood out to me was how much more of the characters you get in the show. There beats and banter is clearly taken from the source material, but its format doesn’t allow for them to open up as much, and that’s where the show really shone for me. But that is the necessary differences when you are reading short form, so I cannot wait to get into vol2 so that I can get into more of who they are. It’s such a fun read.

Synopsis:

The gothic worlds of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Frankenstein, and more collide in this graphic novel series about buried secrets, mad science, and misunderstood monsters. For fans of stylish reimaginings like Lore Olympus and gaslamp fantasies like The Night Circus!

London isn’t the safest place for mad scientists these days. After that whole ordeal with Frankenstein, angry mobs have gotten awfully good at hunting down monsters and wiping out anything they don’t understand. In fact, if it weren’t for one extraordinary young man, every out-of-the-box thinker would have been locked up . . . or worse.

That young man is none other than Dr. Henry Jekyll. He believes mad scientists would thrive if they could just fix their public image, which is why he founded the Society for Arcane Sciences, a place where like-minded eccentrics could come together to defy the laws of nature in peace.

But everything changes when a mysterious stranger arrives, bent on taking the Society in a radical new direction. With everyone turning against him, Jekyll’s life starts to spiral out of control, shattering all his carefully laid plans and threatening to expose his darkest secret—one that could destroy everything he has built from the inside out.

Volume One collects Chapters 1-7 of this thrilling, humorous, beloved webcomic, which is available in print for the first time ever. It also features a brand-new side story, a behind-the-scenes look at artwork, and more exclusive bonus content!

Review:

“Now I am abominably behind schedule so could you perhaps… not exist for a bit?”

I was recently gifted a copy of The Glass Scientists: Volume One, a retelling of Jekyll & Hyde in graphic novel form adapted from the ongoing webtoon. Thanks so much to Books Forward! 

Honestly, I don’t have any criticisms. I enjoyed the illustrations immensely. They were vibrant yet contrasting against dark tones. They beautifully captured the atmosphere of what a haven for mad scientists in 19th Century London would be like.

I love the nods towards mad scientists, monsters, and the lore surrounding them from various classic novels. Frankenstein and her monster had a heavy feature in this book. She stirs up Jekyll’s society quite heavily.

The Glass Scientists is humorous and heartfelt, simultaneously a warm hug and a sigh of emotional release. It tackles an array of topics deftly; anything from sex to literature to sexual identity.

“You see, Jekyll just loves caretaking- it’s so much easier to ignore your own problems when you’re fussing over someone else’s.”

 I have such a soft spot for Jekyll and the weight that is on his shoulders. He’s confident and reassuring in public, yet riddled with insecurities and fears in private. He seems to grapple with his sexuality and that manifests in different ways. Hyde is mischievous and calculated, offering comedic relief and drama to the story. 

“Rachel, we’ve been over this. If you want to shag someone, just walk up to them and say, “Hallo, fancy a shag?” You don’t need all this confectionary pretense.”

There’s also a host of other lovable characters that we are introduced to that I can’t wait to learn more about. I especially enjoyed Rachel and Lanyon, both of whom love the people in their lives fiercely. There’s a heavy found family trope in The Glass Scientists and that’s always a favorite of mine. 

I’ll definitely be continuing with this series and am sad that I didn’t know about it until recently. This has the first seven chapters of the webtoon and you can continue on the website or wait for the next volume to come out! It ends on a cliffhanger, so I will be racing over so I can see how Jekyll and Hyde get out of their latest mishaps.

Synopsis

A modern middle-grade graphic novel retelling of Beowulf, featuring a gang of troublemaking kids who must defend their tree house from a fun-hating adult who can instantly turn children into grown-ups.

Listen! Hear a tale of mallow-munchers and warriors who answer candy’s clarion call!

Somewhere in a generic suburb stands Treeheart, a kid-forged sanctuary where generations of tireless tykes have spent their youths making merry, spilling soda, and staving off the shadow of adulthood. One day, these brave warriors find their fun cut short by their nefarious neighbor Grindle, who can no longer tolerate the sounds of mirth seeping into his joyless adult life.

As the guardian of gloom lays siege to Treeheart, scores of kids suddenly find themselves transformed into pimply teenagers and sullen adults! The survivors of the onslaught cry out for a savior—a warrior whose will is unbreakable and whose appetite for mischief is unbounded.

They call for Bea Wolf.

Review

I only lasted a year as an English major, but I retain a twisted admiration for the classics, particularly the buck-wild things modern authors make of them. Beowulf does not interest me, but the sugar-crazed tale of Bea Wolf is amazing.

The wealth of children is measured in toys, candy, and soda. They build a magnificent treehouse and party all day and night, watch cartoons, neglect dental hygiene, and make war with water balloons and toy swords. Neighborhood grump Mr Grindle’s touch can instantly age a child into a sulky teen or boorish adult.

The writing imitates the poetic styling of Beowulf but with very silly subject matter. Ideally, Bea Wolf should be read aloud as over-the-top dramatically as possible. Middle grade kids can enjoy this on their own but younger readers would enjoy reading it with an adult. Art is black and white only, which may be a dealbreaker with some kids.

Hello, and welcome to my stop on the Judge Anderson: Shamballa tour hosted by Black Crow PR! I am SO honored to be part of this incredible project. This was such great fun and I can’t wait to share my thoughts with all of you. Below, you’ll find info about the audiobook, a quick look at the cast, and my review.

About the Audiobook

In Mega-City One a brutal murder is discovered, seemingly of unnatural origin. Around the globe there is a massive surge in psychic phenomena as people fall prey to visions and religious mania.

It seems that the world is on the brink of a psychic apocalypse and Psi-Judge Anderson must travel into the heart of Tibet to find the source of the disturbance! This collection bring together the very best of Alan Grant’s (Lobo) and Arthur Ranson’s (Button Man) work on this iconic comics character.

Featuring Amber Rose Revah as Judge Cassandra Anderson and an ensemble cast including Adam Basil and Doug Cockle, long-time fans and newcomers alike will be transported to the dystopian Mega-City One for an immersive listening experience like no other.

Meet the Cast

Amber Rose Revah

as Judge Cassandra Anderson

Adam Basil

as Judge Dredd

Doug Cockle

as The Narrator

Book Links

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/2000adaudio

Rating: 10/10

Review

When I was presented with the opportunity to be a host for this tour, I was OVER THE MOON. Justin got the email before me and I was devastated because I’ve worked with Black Crow SO many times and I thought they didn’t even think of me! Turns out I accidentally deleted the email and, well, here we are.

Anyhoo, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. I absolutely LOVED listening to Shamballa and plan to listen to the other graphic novels when I get the chance. It was so much fun to dive back into Megacity One and relive the sci-fi vibes that the Judge Dredd series has always offered. I’d never been exposed to the graphic novels before, but I’ve seen the Karl Urban movie and found Judge Anderson to be completely relatable. She’s a woman struggling to hold on to her humanity in an institution and city that barely has any. Her heart and her passion drive her, and her psychic abilities made her a tool from a young age.

Being part of Anderson’s journey through a series of related one-shots was enchanting. Space adventures, the Devil himself, and a mutant gorilla are just some of the things that Shamballa has to offer. And none of them disappoint. With cleverly concocted dialogue and an amazing interpretation, the writing from the books translated effortlessly into audio format. I’ve said this like six times already, but it was fun from the start to the end of the last track. I was totally engrossed in each new chapter.

The writing aside, let’s talk about the voice acting. I’ve never really listened to audiobooks. I prefer the popping imagery of comics and graphic novels. The art is part of the charm. However, this book turned that concept on its head. Each performance was rich and saturated, with an equally impressive soundscape to accompany the amazing talents behind the microphone. The score was dark and intimidating, and the entire production value was Hollywood-level. I’ve only heard of one audiobook being as impressive in recent memory, and it was Neil Gaiman’s Sandman.

2000AD and Penguin Random House outdid themselves with this one. I truly believe that this is one of the greatest audio adaptations I’ve ever heard. I sincerely hope all of you decide to embark on Anderson’s journey with her and experience Megacity and the Dredd universe through her biting wit and caring heart. Don’t skip out on this one, as I promise that you will regret it.

All hail the Justice Department.

Summary:

From Eisner Award-winners Jeff Lemire (Black Hammer) and Gabriel Walta (The Vision)…WELCOME TO THE U.S.S. MONTGOMERY. 

When a separatist attack kills every adult on board a colony ship in deep space, it is up to VALARIE, the on-board A.I., to help the ship’s children survive. But as they are pursued by dangerous forces, can Valerie become more than what she was programmed to be – a savior to these children? Sentient was nominated for a 2020 Eisner Award for Best Limited Series.

Review:

Previously released in 6 separate issues, Vault comics is now re-releasing the limited Sentient series in a beautiful bound hardcover edition.

Right from the opening pages this story juxtaposes the differences in the crew and their children. One being a little more laid back and friendly, and the contrasting speechless and strict.

We are also introduced to the ship’s AI ‘VAL’ who keeps the U.S.S. Montgomery in running order.

It’s pretty soon after the adults have place their kids into the ‘day care’ (where they practice their lessons and engage in creative play) that we see the adults around the bridge discussing the next steps as they approach a ‘dead zone’ where any transmissible communications will be cut-off.

What happens next really engaged me into the story. It’s something about the drastic shift in dynamic and the anticipation to witness how this AI interact with these children. They’re placed into such a horrendous situation with only the logic of an advanced computer to guide them.

It’s a great story and very well executed. There are shocks and surprises, suspense and evil. Sentient has all the makings of an expansive, unique, and engrossing Sci-Fi story in visually pleasing execution.

Synopsis for Vol. 1:

Worried your partner is cheating? Need a missing person found? Gina Meyers is the Private Investigator for you. Sure, she’s a witch who worries that her powers make her more of a monster than the crooks she’s trying to catch, but it’s not like London’s criminal underworld is literally going to hell… is it? Spy craft meets black magic in the shadowy world of MI666.

Review:

Thank you to Black Crow PR for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Shadow Service Vol. 1 & 2 is by Cavan Scott, Corin Howell (Illustrator), Trionna Farrell (Color Artist).

I read Volume 1 and 2 before writing this review, so while there won’t be any spoilers I am writing this review about both volumes.

Shadow Service completely surprised me, I knew I was going to enjoy it but I went in mostly blind and was very surprised by where this series went! It starts out following a witch who is a PI and very quickly terrifying creatures start to appear.

This sets the tone for the series as it barrels through the story, as graphic novels always do, throwing new characters at us and more horror-like creatures along the way. There are some truly beautiful spreads inside of huge angelic/demonic beings that really capture the atmosphere of the graphic novels.

Volume 1 is a lot more about meeting MI666 and learning a little bit more about their work and what their main aim is. You don’t get much backstory of any character until Volume 2, which is where I feel the story starts to get stronger. It starts to take a deep dive into the pasts of all our MI666 agents and it starts to draw you into the world more.

Shadow Service is dark and intriguing. Mix the occult with horror and some gorgeous spreads and you get Shadow Service. This is a worthy addition to any graphic novel lovers shelf.

Synopsis:

Grab your dice and pencil, sit your pets down, teach them to play… and immediately regret your choices.

Hilarious collection of Dungeons & Dragons -themed pet jokes by acclaimed comics creators Andi Ewington, Rhianna Pratchett, Calum Alexander Watt and Alex de Campi

What if your pets could play D&D? And what if they were… kind of jerks about it?

If there are two things all geeks love, it’s roleplaying games, and their pets. So why not fuse the two? It’s time to grab your dice, dust off that character sheet, and let your cat or dog (or guinea pig, or iguana, or budgie) accompany you on an epic adventure! It’ll be great!

…unless your pets are jerks.

Written by comics and videogames writers Andi Ewington (Forty-Five45) and Rhianna Pratchett (Tomb Raider), Campaigns & Companions is edited by Alex de Campi (Madi) and beautifully illustrated by Calum Alexander Watt (The Rise of Skywalker).

Review:

Thank you to Rebellion for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!

I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’ve been a big supporter of this book since the start of the year. Something about it drew my attention and I’ve been awaiting my copy ever since. I actually read this the moment it appeared through my letterbox, and then it got passed around the family to much laughter.

This is a beautifully illustrated comic guide for DnD fans. I’ve only played a couple of DnD games, but despite my lack of understand of the nuances of the game I still found this absolutely hilarious. Making it about pets playing DnD just elevates the humour and makes it all the more accessible. Every cat owner knows they want to sit in the box (or chest), every dog owner knows they’ll drop what they’re doing to chase the ball. Taking these and then adding the illustrations is just perfection. From full double page illustrations to illustrations of faces on a single page it never gets old. It also helps that they are stunning to look at.

Bringing together Andi Ewington, Rhianna Pratchett, Alex de Campi and Calum Alexander Watt this is truly a must-buy for all DnD lovers. Utterly hilarious, completely beautiful and the perfect addition to anyones DnD collection.

Synopsis

Kurouzu-cho, a small fogbound town on the coast of Japan, is cursed. According to Shuichi Saito, the withdrawn boyfriend of teenager Kirie Goshima, their town is haunted not by a person or being but by a pattern: Uzumaki, the spiral, the hypnotic secret shape of the world. It manifests itself in everything from seashells and whirlpools in water to the spiral marks on people’s bodies, the insane obsessions of Shuichi’s father and the voice from the cochlea in our inner ear. As the madness spreads, the inhabitants of Kurouzu-cho are pulled ever deeper into a whirlpool from which there is no return!

Review

Junji Ito is often cited as the master of horror manga, and after reading Uzumaki, my first from this creator and my first manga experience, it is easy to see why!

Uzumaki takes place in the small coastal town of Kurouzu-cho, a town that slowly becomes more and more obsessed by spirals. Partly inspired by a time in Ito’s childhood in which he himself became obsessive over spiral patterns, we follow main protagonist Kirie Goshima, as she gets drawn deeper into this pattern that is seemingly haunting the town.

This whirling tale is essentially a series of connected short stories. Where the main characters rarely differ and act as the main through line between each story, the supporting cast from each story are who arguably make this book stand up as the horror masterpiece that it is often referred to as. It is these characters that we get to see succumb to the lure of the spiral in excitingly gruesome and richly detailed ways. Where Kirie and Shuichi are sometimes seemingly just accidentally in the wrong place at the wrong time (especially for the first half, but they both become more integral to the lore of the land and the story as a whole in the latter half, and thus much more memorable), seeing these other members of this small town turning themselves in spiralling monstrosities or seeking to rid their own bodies of any spiral like patterns is truly stuff of nightmares, and each story introduces something more twisted than the last.

Uzumaki also triumphs in the melding of multiple horror subgenres to create its own unique taste. Whilst body horror is the most prominent of these, we also get to experience cosmic horror, psychological horror, ghostly horror & apocalyptic horror, amongst many others. If you are a fan of horror and have your own preferences as to how you like your scares, I guarantee that you will find it in here.

As previously mentioned, this is also my first manga experience. I know some people say it can be hard to adjust to, such as reading right to left, but I found I acclimatized very quickly and found it easy to read & understand. I am not someone who has read a lot of Western comics or graphic novels either, so reading anything like this is pretty much completely new to me. I am not used to having my stories be accompanied by incredible artwork, lets put it that way. And the artwork in Uzumaki is amazing! There are so many hidden details, hidden spirals, ridiculously well drawn full page spreads of some of the most vile, gruesome, and incredible looking body horror images I’ve ever seen! I won’t say what I saw as I think part of this books appeal is the unknown, and not knowing how the spiral will affect certain characters and watching that play out adds to the enjoyment. But pretty much all the “creature” designs are phenomenal, the people themselves are at times unsettling (even just simple things like someone smiling can be creepy), and the way that the book hides its most important reveals behind a page turn leaves you with the knowledge that something is going to happen, you just don’t know what.

In short, Uzumaki is deserving of its accolades. Although it took the main cast some time to come out of their shells a bit, every other element of this manga was done so brilliantly I can look past its few faults. With incredible artwork, genuinely frightening moments and scenes and events that will stick with me forever (and I know for a fact it will inspire my own writing), I urge all fans of horror or dark manga to give this a go. I will definitely be checking out more Junji Ito and other mangas in the future!