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 includes a coming-of-age story, a girl that has superhuman strength, and an ice skater with a secret.

Nubia: Real One by L.L. Mckinney (Author), Robyn Smith (Illustrator) (2021)

Nubia has always been a little bit…different. As a baby she showcased Amazonian-like strength by pushing over a tree to rescue her neighbor’s cat. But despite her having similar abilities, the world has no problem telling her that she’s no Wonder Woman. And even if she were, they wouldn’t want her. Every time she comes to the rescue, she’s reminded of how people see her: as a threat. Her moms do their best to keep her safe, but Nubia can’t deny the fire within her, even if she’s a little awkward about it sometimes. Even if it means people assume the worst.

When Nubia’s best friend, Quisha, is threatened by a boy who thinks he owns the town, Nubia will risk it all–her safety, her home, and her crush on that cute kid in English class–to become the hero society tells her she isn’t.

Nubia is a superhero story with Black Girl Magic flair! It’s not only a story about supernatural powers, but also a coming-of-age tale. Nubia has lived such a sheltered life because she has to keep her powers a secret, but seeing others in danger makes her want to use her powers for good. I enjoyed the story as a whole and didn’t want it to end. I appreciated how it discusses themes of race, equality, inclusion, and growing up.

Though it’s a story about an Amazonian girl it has so many aspects that make her character (Nubia) relatable. The characters are fun and vibrant which is reflected in the art style and color palette of the comic. Nubia is a story that reminds us to fight for what we believe in!

Final Verdict:

Knight of the Ice, Vol. 1 by Yayoi Ogawa (2013)

Chitose is a career woman, with a job at a magazine and serious aspirations…except her childhood friend is an international figure skating star who won’t stop distracting her! On the ice, Kokoro Kijinami is a flawless, gallant knight, winning trophies and hearts alike, but behind his glittery costumes and breathtaking spins lies a secret: He’s actually a hopeless romantic otaku who can only land his quad jumps when Chitose is on hand to recite a spell from his favorite magical girl anime! So when a business trip takes her away from Kokoro’s biggest competition yet, what will happen without Chitose there to work her magic?

I’m a huge fan of ice skating so when I saw this series at the bookstore I was instantly hooked. The series follows two childhood from very different worlds, who are connected by the past and ice skating. The banter between the two was cute and I love the natural progression of romance as crushes start to bloom. Appearances can be deceiving in this manga as Chitose is often mistaken for a child but has a fiery passion for her job. Kokoro has a very stoic look o the ice, but in all actuality, he’s a softie.

The series’ first volume gives a deep dive into the competitiveness of the sport and its technicalities. It also showcases the graceful, delicate side of the sport. I can’t wait to read more!

Final Verdict:

Click by Kayla Miller (2019)

Olive “clicks” with everyone in the fifth grade—until one day she doesn’t. When a school variety show leaves Olive stranded without an act to join, she begins to panic, wondering why all her friends have already formed their own groups . . . without her. With the performance drawing closer by the minute, will Olive be able to find her own place in the show before the curtain comes up?
The New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Kayla Miller has woven together a heartfelt and insightful story about navigating friendships, leaning on family, and learning to take the stage in the most important role of all.

Click is a cute, coming-of-age story about changing friendship dynamics and cliques. This story is very heartfelt and relatable as I think most people struggle with finding a group of people you “click” with or feel like you belong. Olive has to navigate these tricky situations but she has the support of her family to help her out. She does her best to find herself in the process of discovering something to do for her school’s talent show.

I felt that this story is insightful but also manages to connect with its core audience (middle-grade readers). Olive learns to accept the change in friendships as a part of growing up. The cute and colorful illustrations make this graphic novel pop!

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.