Comic Corner Roundup: July
“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 July which features stories of a zero gravity world, newspaper girls on a mission, and a novice chef.
Skyward, Vol. 1: My Low-G Life by Joe Henderson (Goodreads Author), Lee Garbett (Contributor), Antonio Fabela (Contributor) (2018)
Synopsis: One day, gravity on Earth suddenly became a fraction of what it is now. Twenty years later, humanity has adapted to its new low-gravity reality. And to Willa Fowler, a woman born just after G-day, it’s…well, it’s pretty awesome, actually. You can fly through the air! I mean, sure, you can also die if you jump too high. So you just don’t jump too high. And maybe don’t get mixed up in your Dad’s secret plan to bring gravity back that could get you killed..
Review: This graphic novel prompts the question of what would life be like without gravity. Our main character, Willa, is a girl that thrives on the weightless feel of flying and wants to travel the world. She stays at home to take care of her dad who is scared of the outside world due to a traumatic past. Once secrets are discovered that there may a solution to their problems the story kicks into high gear.
I love that this novel has a WOC lead and a diverse cast (from what I see so far). It’s incredibly action-packed, the characters are entertaining, and I enjoyed the overall plot of the story, I’m very intrigued by the mysteries surrounding G-Day and learning more about Willa’s world. The artwork is very well-done and I like the attention to detail to make the reader feel as if they are within the anti-gravity world.
Final Verdict:
Paper Girls Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan (Author), Cliff Chiang (Illustrator), Matthew Wilson (Colorist), Jared K. Fletcher (Lettering) (2016)
Synopsis: SAGA writer BRIAN K. VAUGHAN launches a brand-new ONGOING SERIES with superstar Wonder Woman artist CLIFF CHIANG! In the early hours after Halloween of 1988, four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls uncover the most important story of all time.
Review: I usually enjoy anything Vaughn writes, so I was looking forward to reading this series. Set in the 80s (gives off an immediate Stranger Things vibe/nostalgia) four girls from different backgrounds are joined together on Halloween. The story wastes no time introducing each character (KJ, Erica, Tiffany, and Mac) and then throwing us into the midst of the action. This story has some heavy Sci-Fi vibes that I like: spaceships, time travel, and dangerous creatures.
Like the characters the readers are trying to piece together the mystery of the disappearances in their town and creatures that appear out of thin air. The girls don’t become instant friends but instead are stuck together by survival. I really love the nostalgic feel of the artwork and it went well with the story’s overall setting. I’m hooked by the first installment and will be continuing the series.
Final Verdict:
Brave Chef Brianna #1 by Sam Sykes, Selina Espiritu (Illustrator)
Synopsis: From fantasy author Sam Sykes (Aeons’ Gate) comes a story about budding chef Brianna Jakobsson, who’s trying to impress her father but whose best—and only—customers are monsters. Brianna has big dreams of starting her own restaurant. When her ailing father, a celebrity restaurant magnate, poses a challenge to his only daughter and 15 sons, she sets out to create the best restaurant around! Thing is, the only city she can afford to set up shop in is Monster City.
Review: When I was looking through my collection I wanted a story that was light and fluffy, and then I found this series. The artwork gives me some instantaneous Adventure Time feels. I liked the plot of a woman who wants to gain more confidence in her cooking as well as her own self. Brianna is shy and anxious, but cooking is what she’s most passionate about.
I appreciated that it’s a “fish out of water” story as she is a human trying to have a restaurant in Monster City. She’ll have to manage on her own to succeed. The artwork is colorful and bright and matches the story’s overall light tone. Looking forward to reading more and exploring Brianna’s baking adventures in Monster City.
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.
