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 include high school crushes, culture shock, and a very mischievous shadow.

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Heartstopper Volume One by Alice Osman (2018)

Synopsis: Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more…?

Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn’t been too great, but at least he’s not being bullied anymore. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He’s heard a little about Charlie – the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months – but he’s never had the opportunity to talk to him.

They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner...

Review: I’ve heard so much buzz about this series for the longest time and I’m so glad I could finally pick this series up. I was taken aback and really appreciated the art style and the color tones of the comic. Having white pages for the background and the use of gray-green tones for the drawings was a great choice! It definitely stands out among some other graphic novels I see while shopping in a book store.

As I always mention in many of m blog posts, I love reading coming-of-age stories. This comic does have some trigger warnings for bullying and homophobia but for the most part of the first volume it’s a lighthearted read. I think if you like cozy and sweet romance novels, those types of readers will be drawn to this series. I enjoyed watching their friendship start to bloom into something more and the interactions between Charlie and Nick. Oseman throws in the challenging emotions of being a teenager, growing up, and themes of self-discovery to make this story feel very real. I’m curious to see how the story will continue in future volumes.

Final Verdict:

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Satoko and Nada Vol.1 by Yupechika, Marie Nishimori (Contributor) (2018)

Synopsis: Satoko, a Japanese student studying in America, has a new roommate: a Saudi Arabian woman named Nada! They might have different customs, but through mutual respect―and the hilarious adventures of their daily life―Satoko and Nada prove that friendship knows no borders.

Review: I love reading stories about cross-cultural interactions and stories that teach readers about a culture different from their own. Reading this manga reminded me of the time I participated in an International Allies organization during my college years and got to make friends with people from around the globe. Satoko and Nada follows a narrative about cultural exchange and the college experience.

At its core what I love most about this story is that it’s a heartwarming story of friendship. There are humorous moments, lots of delicious foods, heart-to-heart stories, and many teachable moments. It’s a very quick read with the four-panel style setup and I can’t wait to finish the rest of the books in the series.

Final Verdict:

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Cast No Shadow by Nick Tapalansky (Goodreads Author), Anissa Espinosa (Illustrations) (2017)

Synopsis: Greg has lived in Lancaster his whole life. The town’s always had its quirks, and being born without a shadow means he’s counted among them. When Greg discovers an old mansion in the woods just outside of town, he didn’t expect to meet a smart, beautiful, funny, and…very dead teenaged girl named Eleanor.

Yeah. He’s in love with a ghost.

And before he knows what’s happening, Greg finds himself at the wrong end of a history lesson when the town’s past, and his own, threaten to pull the two of them apart permanently!

Review: This is a graphic novel comic that I found on a whim. Though it’s geared more towards a YA or middle-grade reading audience I think it’s a story that can be enjoyed by all ages. While I had fun reading the story I felt it was a bit underwhelming in some parts. The concept of the main character Greg being born without a shadow is unique, but I felt that it wasn’t really executed in the best way personally.

I did appreciate how it mixed coming-of-age themes with the supernatural and its open conversation surrounding grief. Greg is still reeling from the loss of his mother and feels that his dad’s girlfriend moving is invasive. Eleanor, the female lead, is a ghost trapped within a house filled with her own memories and regret of incidents that happened in the past. The story has a powerful narrative about forgiveness and moving on in order to heal and move towards the future.

Final Verdict:

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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.