Comic Corner Roundup: September
“Comic Corner Roundup” is a bi-monthly segment that compiles mini-reviews of comics, graphic novels, and manga that I’ve read recently. Here are my reviews for the month of September which features a villain’s novice sidekick, a story from the Civil Rights movement, and a steampunk world full of magic.
The Silence of Our Friends by Mark Long, Jim Demonakos, Nate Powell (Illustrator) (2012)
Synopsis: In 1960s Texas, a white family from a notoriously racist neighborhood and a black family from its poorest ward cross Houston’s color line, overcoming humiliation, degradation, and violence to win the freedom of five black college students unjustly charged with the murder of a policeman.
Review: This graphic novel is a mixture of fiction and the real life experiences during the Civil Rights era. It focuses on the 1967 SNCC protest at Texas Southern University and the clash of color lines. Most of the stories set in this period I’ve read are told by the pov of activists. This story was interesting since it showed it through the lens of journalist. At many parts of the novel it was being difficult to read due to the violence and racism. I felt that the most striking part about reading this is how much it reminds me of what is happening now in the US.
The artwork is presented in a gray scale tone with the heightened detail to show the characters raw emotion, juxtaposition of day and night, and events that happened. Most of the story can be based off the MLK quote the title refers to “In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Though a powerful story, everything felt so rushed and a lot of background wasn’t given to the character (real-life people the book is based on). It just needed to be longer.
*TW: racism, violence, racial slurs
Final Verdict:
Nimona by Noelle Stevenson (2015)
Synopsis: Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren’t the heroes everyone thinks they are.
But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona’s powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.
Review: Why did I wait so long to read this? This book was fantastic! I liked that the story had a blend of magic and many fantasy elements with an overall medieval-like setting. This story had a very strong narrative and even from its web comic origins it translates well into graphic novel form. I enjoyed the characters colorful personality although the tie between my top favorite character is either Blackheart or Nimona.
This story was fast paced and I couldn’t wait to get to the next chapter. The characters show a great amount of development and I liked the question of hero vs villains. There’s no clean cut answer, and this question is prompted by the actions of the characters decisions. Nimona, herself was delight! A bit snarky at times and high energy, but she made me laugh during this story. Especially when she and Blackheart work as a duo!
Final Verdict:
Monstress, Vol. 1: Awakening (Monstress #1) by Marjorie M. Liu (Goodreads Author), Sana Takeda (Illustrator) (2016)
Synopsis: Set in an alternate matriarchal 1900’s Asia, in a richly imagined world of art deco-inflected steam punk, MONSTRESS tells the story of a teenage girl who is struggling to survive the trauma of war, and who shares a mysterious psychic link with a monster of tremendous power, a connection that will transform them both and make them the target of both human and otherworldly powers.
Review: First of all the artwork in this graphic novel was amazing! I love the color, details, and how it just transports the reader to its world. It’s almost as if the characters and action leapt off of the page! Steampunk is not usually my jam, but something about this book really stood out to me. I liked that it was an alternate/fantasy version of historical.
I will say that though this first installment is action-packed the world building is pretty intense. At times it tended to bogged the story and the it was bit confusing to follow. This will definitely have to be re-read for me since I feel like I missed some important information about the history and magic system. But I did like what I read so far and am looking forward to seeing where Maika’s journey leads her.
Final Verdict:
What comics, graphic novels, or manga have you read lately? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. If you have any recommendations feel free to share those as well.
Lol! Those were my thoughts too when I read Nimona: Why’d I wait so long? It’s such a fun read. And I love Monstress. I think it’s a slower pace because it has an epic fantasy vibe about it.
Yes for sure about Monstress. I got to do a re-read of it because there was so much to unpack and I don’t think I got all of the story the first time around.