Hey, guys!
It's already July and I've already read so many more graphic novels and comics than I anticipated. I've probably read 3 times more comics/graphic novels/picture books than the past two years combined (Don't check my math on that. I'm just guessing.). I'm going to continue on with this sort of mass review strategy just to continue sharing my thoughts on these books. They've ended up being about one third to a half of what I've read this year, so I ought not to be lazy about reviewing them. I won't go too into depth when it comes to talking about them, but I did want to dedicate some blog-space to them.
In the past couple of years, I would compile my thoughts in one long blog post and share my thoughts, but I've already read 30 books like these
#1. Lumberjanes Volume 2: Friendship to the Max! by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters, Maarta Laiho, and Brook A. Allen
Page Count: 126
Published by: Boom! Box
Published on: October 13, 2015
My Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads synopsis:
Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are not your average campers and Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types is not your average summer camp. Between the river monsters, magic, and the art of friendship bracelets, this summer is only just beginning. Join the Lumberjanes as they take on raptors and a sibling rivalry that only myths are made of.
This New York Times bestseller and Eisner Award-nominated series is written by awesome all-star Noelle Stevenson and brilliant newcomer Grace Ellis, and illustrated by the tremendously talented Brooke Allen.
Lumberjanes, Vol. 2: Friendship to the Max includes issues 5-8 and the first fourteen pages of Giant Days, Vol. 1 by John Allison.
Review:
This is a really cute addition to the Lumberjanes series. I'm really enjoying getting to know each of the girls and learning more about their camp and going on more adventures. I really love how their friendship is portrayed and how their characters begin to develop.
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#2. Lumberjanes Volume 3: A Terrible Plan by Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Carolyn Nowak, Maarta Laiho, Aubrey Aiese, Brittney Williams, Aimee Fleck, Faith Erin Hicks, Rebecca Tobin, Felicia Choo, and T. Zysk
Page Count: 126
Published by: Boom! Box
Published on: April 5, 2016
My Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads synopsis:
IF YOU GOT IT, HAUNT IT!
Trying to take advantage of the first quiet day at camp in a while, Mal and Molly's date takes a bizarre turn with the appearance of the Bear Woman! Back at camp, Jo, April, and Ripley must stay on their toes as they try and earn every badge possible, which ends up being a lot harder than any of them ever planned.
This New York Times bestselling series continues with Lumberjanes #9, "If You Got It, Haunt It Badge;" #10, "Abscence Make the Heart Grow Fondant Badge;" #11, "Go Ball-istic Badge;" and #12, "Oldie but Goodie Badge."
Mini-Review
Another adorable addition to the Lumberjanes series. The world that Stevenson and her comrades are creating is very interesting. I adore the mythological bits that they are adding and more depth for the characters. However, I did not enjoy the change in art style. It really changed up the tone of the story, which slowed down the regularly fast-paced story.
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#3. Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy (#1-6) by Chynna Clungston Flores, Rosemary Valero-O'Connell, Maddi Gonzalez, and Whitney Cogar
Page Count: 160
Published by: Boom! Box
Published on: March 7, 2017
My Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads synopsis:
The Lumberjanes and Gotham Academy kids team up!
DREAM TEAM UP!
When a teacher at Gotham Academy goes missing, it’s up to Olive, Maps, Colton, Pom, and Kyle to figure out what is happening and how to get her back. With only an outdated birthday invitation as the clue, they find themselves in the middle of the woods with no idea of where to start. With the sudden appearance of the Lumberjanes—April, Jo, Mal, Molly, Ripley and Jen—who are on the hunt for their missing Camp Director, all clues point to an abandoned cabin with more secrets than cobwebs.
BOOM! Studios and DC Comics team up to bring together Lumberjanes and Gotham Academy for the ultimate friendship-fueled crossover event. Written by Chynna Clugston Flores (Blue Monday), and illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell (Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me) and Maddi Gonzalez, this is a running-for-your-life-from-skeletal-monsters mystery that leads to lifelong friendship!
Review:
I'm quite familiar with the characters in the Lumberjanes series, but I had never read any of the Gotham Academy comics. I thought this was a really fun series of comics. I really enjoyed how their characters interacted and the story was just super fun. The art styles were really nicely done and I really enjoyed the colors and themes that were prevalent throughout the comic compilation.
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#4. Sex Criminals Volume #1: One Weird Trick by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky
Page Count: 160
Published by: Image Comics
Published on: March 7, 2017
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Goodreads synopsis:
Suzie’s just a regular gal with an irregular gift: when she has sex, she stops time. One day she meets Jon and it turns out he has the same ability. And sooner or later they get around to using their gifts to do what we’d ALL do: rob a couple banks. A bawdy and brazen sex comedy for comics begins here!
Collecting: 1-6
Mini-Review
This was a pretty fun and intriguing beginning to the Sex Criminals series. While it isn't my favorite graphic novel series, it's fairly entertaining. I'm not the biggest fan of the characters, but the art and the humor quite fun. The premise, itself, was really fun; but overall it wasn't my favorite.
Page Count: 128
Published by: Image Comics
Published on: March 7, 2017
My Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads synopsis:
The second storyline from the Eisner Award winning Sex Criminals finds the honeymoon to be over for Jon and Suzie. Once the thrill of new lust fades, where do you go? Come along and laff and love with Matt and Chip as they brimp back ceaselessly against the past.
Collecting: Sex Criminals 6-10
Mini-Review:
Overall, this addition to the Sex Criminals series wasn't as good as the first. While it was fairly entertaining, the pacing was much slower than the first. I do not think I will actively continue this series any time soon.
Happy reading!
Olivia
