Monthly Comic Corner: October Edition
“Monthly Comic Corner” is a segment that compiles mini-reviews of comics, graphic novels, and manga that I’ve read for the month. Here are my reviews for the month of October which features dystopian worlds, wars on libraries, and otherworldly gods!
Orchid Vol.1 by Tom Morello, Dan Jackson , Scott Hepburn
Genre: Dystopian, Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic, Fantasy
Synopsis: When the seas rose, genetic codes were smashed. Human settlements are ringed by a dense wilderness from which ferocious new animal species prey on the helpless. The high ground belongs to the rich and powerful that overlook swampland shantytowns from their fortress-like cities. Iron-fisted rule ensures order and allows the wealthy to harvest the poor as slaves. Delve into the first chapter of Orchid, the tale of a teenage prostitute who learns that she is more than the role society has imposed upon her, from the mind of musician Tom Morello. (description from Goodreads)
Review: I picked this book up on a random whim looking for a new fantasy comic. Orchid presents its readers with a post-apocalyptic/ fantasy world where monsters roam, dictators reign, and anarchy is on the rise. I’ll admit the first quarter of the volume had me all over the place while the writer was trying to set up the world building for the story. Some concepts were a bit confusing to grasp and I felt like a lot of information was being thrown at me in a short amount of time. Halfway through volume one, the story really picked up and piqued my interest. Orchid is a interesting character and I really felt for her because of all the hardships she goes through. I’m kind iffy about whether I’ll continue with this series.
Final Verdict:
Library Wars Vol.1-2 by Kiiro Yumi , Hiro Arikawa
Genre: YA,Romance, Fiction
Synopsis: In the near future, the federal government creates a committee to rid society of books it deems unsuitable. The libraries vow to protect their collections, and with the help of local governments, form a military group to defend themselves–the Library Forces!
Iku Kasahara has dreamed of joining the Library Defense Force ever since one of its soldiers stepped in to protect her favorite book from being confiscated in a bookstore when she was younger. But now that she’s finally a recruit, she’s finding her dream job to be a bit of a nightmare. Especially since her hard-hearted drill instructor seems to have it in for her! (description from Goodreads)
Review: Library Wars is a interesting manga that tackles the issue of books and censorship. The main character Iku, joins the Library Defense Force only to find out it’s way more difficult than she thought it would be and tries her hardest to preserve and prove her worth. I like the overall concept and that the series for the most part, is very lighthearted and lots of fun. The story is a bit predictable and falls into some of the all too familiar shojo manga tropes such as a klutzy female protagonist and love triangles, but nonetheless it’s still entertaining. Iku is a bit of an irritating main character because she always gets herself into conflicting situations, but I like the story well enough so I’ll keep reading this series.
Final Verdict:
The Wicked + The Divine Vol.1: The Faust Act Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie , Matt Wilson ,Clayton Cowles
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Mythology
Synopsis: Every ninety years, twelve gods incarnate as humans. They are loved. They are hated. In two years, they are dead. The team behind critical tongue-attractors like Young Avengers and PHONOGRAM reunite to create a world where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. But remember: just because you’re immortal, doesn’t mean you’re going to live forever. (description from Goodreads)
Review: I’ve been wanting to read this series for the longest time and I’m so glad I finally picked it up. I love mythology/fantasy stories and The Wicked + The Divine is right up my alley! The main character Laura, is entertaining and her intense quest to become one of/close with the gods is what keeps the readers dawn into the story. I appreciated that she is biracial which I haven’t seen from many characters in graphic novels/comics. On top of that some of the gods come from different ethnic backgrounds and sexual identities too. The writers do a fantastic job of setting up the story, creating these vibrant characters, and the illustrator does a fantastic job of making the artwork come to live. It was interesting to read about the various gods, learn about their powers, and see how they interact with society. After that cliffhanger, I’m eager to see how Laura’s story will continue in the next volume!
Final Verdict:
What fun or interesting comics, graphic novels, or manga have you read lately? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, and if you have any recommendations feel free to share those as well.
Orchid looks awesome! I’ve never heard of it..I’m going to check it out
Yay! 😀
Orchid cover looks good. I love the art in Wicked + Divine but not so much the story.
I agree! Sorry you didn’t like Wicked + Divine so much. I might pick up the second volume of Orchid, but I’m still feeling iffy about it.