Comic Corner Roundup: March
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 March which include a wild Dodo bird, a medical romance, and a magical quest.
Dodo by by Felipe Nunes (2018)
Laila is six years old and she’s been taken out of school following her parents’ divorce. She doesn’t understand why she can’t go to school with the rest of her friends or why her dad never comes by anymore. Laila comes across a mysterious bird, a dodo named Ralph, and befriends the creature that has been living in the part near her house. Through her friendship with Ralph, Laila starts to notice things, things she never wanted to understand.
Review: Dodo is a cute and very short graphic novel that among its vibrant illustrations it focuses on serious topics. The theme of the story focuses not only on divorce but also on emotional alienation within families. It’s geared toward readers of all ages and I feel like every reader can gain something from this book. However, due to its short format, I thought a lot was packed into the story in such a short time. I felt that it could have benefited from adding more pages.
While I felt like it did show how children tackle new challenges through Laila’s new friendship with Ralph the Dodo bird, something was ultimately missing from the story and the narrative felt rushes. I also felt some things were lost in translation (the story was originally written in Portuguese). But I did enjoy the illustrations and how the author used Ralph as symbolism to process the things going on in Laila’s life.
Final Verdict:
An Incurable Case of Love, Vol. 1 by Maki Enjoji (2019)
Nurse Nanase has striven to once again meet the prince of her dreams, so how is it he’s become such an aggravating doctor?!
After witnessing a handsome and charming young doctor saving a stranger’s life five years ago, Nanase Sakura trained to become a nurse. But when she meets the doctor again and they start working together, she finds Kairi Tendo to be nothing like the man she imagined him to be!
Review: This is about the third (or forth?) series I’ve read by Maki and she is one of my favorite Josei mangaka. This series takes place in a hospital with a nurse, Sakura, who has an unrequited love for Kairi, after meeting in a chance encounter years ago. He inspires her to want to become a nurse, but he ends up being cold-hearted and standoffish unlike the kind man she though he was. But since they work in the same hospital she tries to put her feelings aside and move on.
This is a entertaining opposites attract romance, where it balances comedy with the more serious moments. It made me smile and I like how the first volume set up the story and readers get to be the colorful cast of hospital workers that Sakura interacts with. It’s more of a medical romance with a josei feeling. Maki’s artwork as always is superb at capturing the characters emotions through her designs. I bought the whole series (is completed in English) and can’t wait to to read the rest of the books.
Final Verdict:
Oddwell #1-2 by David A. Clark (Author), Simon Ore (Editor), Acacia Rodarte (Artist)
When the Princess of Zamanga is struck ill and the whole kingdom literally starts to crumble, the warrior, Oddwell, is summoned to complete one mission: save the Princess and save the world. Along the way Oddwell must learn to rely upon friends, old and new, as he comes up against sinister plots to turn the Princess against the Kingdom by an evil witch. As the Princess’s condition deteriorates, so does the world she rules, leaving Odwell in a race against time and his enemies.
Review: I was so excited to read this series of the adventure-filled story it presents from it’s cover art and synopsis. Unfortunately I found it a bit dull. It’s a epic fantasy that appeals to younger readers mainly and I loved the premise of a magical journey. But the first couple of issues didn’t grab my attention at all. It is a fast moving story that takes readers through wonderous lands, but rushes through the backstory and the background of the main characters in the first couple of issues.
But I did enjoy how the story incorporates elements of fairy tales and fantasy to pull it’s readers into the story. The artwork is colorful and cute which makes the illustrations pop on each page. A great read for adventure loving readers. If I chose to continue with this series, I’ll probably borrow it from a local library rather than purchase it.
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.
