Comic Corner Roundup: January
“Comic Corner Roundup” is a segment that compiles mini-reviews of comics, graphic novels, and manga that I’ve read recently. Here are my reviews for the month of January which features a Time Lord, two friends traveling through inter-dimensional, and a fashion blogger with extreme allergies.
*Trying to get this segment back on track, I haven’t had as much time to read graphic novels. I’ll be putting this segment on a bi-monthly basis due to my busy schedule.
Snotgirl Vol.1 by Brian Lee O’Malley and Brian Hung (2017)
Synopsis: Who is Lottie Person? Is she a gorgeous, fun-loving social media star with a perfect life or a gross, allergy-ridden mess? Enter a world of snot, blood, and tears in this first collection from New York Times Best Seller Bryan Lee O’Malley (Scott Pilgrim, Seconds) and dazzling newcomer Leslie Hung!
This is a story of a young twenty-something female fashion blogger whose life starts to unravel. She loses her boyfriend, has horrible allergies, and all her friends are starting to hate her.While I’m sympathetic to her horrible allergies (since my seasonal allergies are pretty bad) she has a pretty unlikable personality. But somehow it makes her and this story more interesting?
Snotgirl is equal parts slice of life/drama while also being suspenseful. While a lot of the plot is set up within the first volume it ends a cliffhanger leaving the reader with many questions; what is her new allergy medication, who is her strange stalker, is she really a murderer?
My inerest was this book was piqued by the end, I’m so curious as to what happens next! I love the vibrant colors used to reflect the various fashions she wears but also give the story a energetic story. It looks like a bright story on the outside , but has some darker tones.
Final Verdict:
By Night #1-4 by John Allison, Christine Larson Sara Stern (2018)
Synopsis: Eisner-Award winning author John Allison (Giant Days) and artist Christine Larsen (Adventure Time) join forces for a story about coming home, discovering identity, and accidently smashing a hole to another dimension. Aspiring documentarian (and actual Chemistry major) Jane has recently reunited with her former best friend Heather, amateur urban explorer. When a trip into an abandoned industrial building leads them to another world, their plan begins to unfold—create a documentary about the world and become filthy, filthy rich. The other side of the portal is filled with monsters, magic and a chance for a whole new life. All they have to do is step through…
I got excited to read this series since I love adventure fantasy stories. This series follows the story of two estranged friends who reconnect over finding a portal that leads to a new world/dimension. I really enjoyed the art style of this book and how it’s vibrant hues and attention to detail in the characters make the story more animated. It gives the story an overall whimsical feel!
While I read the story I felt that the pacing was a bit jumbled and seemed to jump all over the place. Granted it’s just the beginning of the story, but as the issues went on I was confused as to what was happening? Plot points and characters are all over the place and more questions are presented without answers. On top of that that much about the portal is not explained as of yet, instead we are introduced to more new concepts.I might continue with this series just to have some of my questions answered. But for right now I’m on the fence.
Final Verdict:
Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor Vol.1: Afterlife by Al Ewing, Rob Williams, Simon Fraser (Illustrations), Simon Spurrier, James Peaty, Robbie Morrison, Gary Caldwell (Illustrations), George Mann , Alex Paknadel, Boo Cook (2015)
Synopsis: With a force of personality capable of bending time itself and all the energy of a star’s exploding heart, the Doctor blasts into the hollow, tragic life of a woman with so much to offer – and gives her the chance to scream “Geronimo!” at the thrills, colours and terrors of an infinite universe!
Being that I am a fan of this series and haven’t watched Doctor Who in a long time this pick was a welcome addition to my TBR! In this first volume The Doctor is joined by newfound friend Alice, a librarian who is thrown into a world of time travel adventures. The stories are a lot of fun and reminded me why I enjoy this series so much however, while the beginning of the book started out strong the latter stories fell a bit flat for me.
The illustrations are vibrant and come to life, giving the stories a very adventurous feel. My favorite story in this volume was the one about the high speed chase of a runaway space dragon! Overall I might continue with this series, but will borrow the volumes from the library rather than buying them.
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.
