Comic Corner Roundup: September
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 September which includes a mysterious wishing well, a budding werewolf, and a summer full of new friendships.
The Well by Jake Wyatt, Choo (2022)
Li-Zhen’s life on the archipelago is simple. Known to friends and family as Lizzy, she takes care of her grandfather and their goats, she flirts with the woman who helps row the ferry, and she stays away from the fog that comes in the night—and the monsters hiding within it.
But Lizzy’s life comes apart when she steals a handful of coins from a sacred well to cover a debt. The well requires repayment, but it doesn’t deal in coins. It needs wishes, and its minions will drown Lizzy in its depths if she doesn’t grant them. Lizzy finds herself on a quest to uncover hidden memories, bestow great wealth, and face the magical secrets that nearly destroyed her family—and are now returning to threaten everything she has ever known.
What is the price of a wish? Can wishes come true? These are the questions that surround the premise of The Well. The main character Li-Zhen pays the price for stealing from the wishing well and must now help by completing the wishes held within the coin she stole. It’s a whimsical and magical story that will surely appeal to fantasy readers. The illustrations are stunning and the attention to detail and world-building whisks readers off into a faraway place.
In her journey, Li-Zhen develops personal growth as she is faced with the horrors and unforeseen twists of trying to fulfill each wish. The story has an aura of suspense and hints of danger as dangerous creatures lurk in every corner. She learns that each wish is more layered than it seems and has multiple consequences. This is such a grand adventure story that I highly recommend it.
Final Verdict:
Artie and the Wolf Moon by Olivia Stephens (2021)
After sneaking out against her mother’s wishes, Artie Irvin spots a massive wolf–then watches it don a bathrobe and transform into her mom. Thrilled to discover she comes from a line of werewolves, Artie asks her mom to share everything–including the story of Artie’s late father. Her mom reluctantly agrees. And to help Artie figure out her own wolflike abilities, her mom recruits some old family friends.
Artie thrives in her new community and even develops a crush on her new friend Maya. But as she learns the history of werewolves and her own parents’ past, she’ll find that wolves aren’t the scariest thing in the woods–vampires are.
This is a wonderful graphic novel that is a coming-of-age story about Artie, who is trying to navigate her newfound wolf heritage. I loved the autumnal setting used for the story and the darker color tones used to reflect the supernatural aspects of the plot in the artwork. All the illustrations are so vivid, and I loved the character designs. This is the first graphic novel I’ve read that focuses on Black werewolves and the novel includes a cute sapphic romance too.
It was endearing to watch Artie trying to grow into her photography skills (which she got interested in because of her dad) while learning how to be a wolf and strengthen the bond with her mother. I also loved the supportive community that welcomed Artie and her mom. I appreciated how this novel tackles grief, and family, and how life is full of obstacles. It’s a cozy read but also has a lot of action-packed moments too.
Final Verdict:
Himawari House by Harmony Becker (2021)
When Nao returns to Tokyo to reconnect with her Japanese heritage, she books a yearlong stay at the Himawari sharehouse. There she meets Hyejung and Tina, two other girls who came to Japan to freely forge their own paths. The trio live together, share meals, and even attend the same Japanese-language school, which results in them becoming fast friends. But will they be able to hold one another up as life tests them with new loves, old heartbreaks, and the everyday challenges of being fish out of water.
Himawari House is a beautiful graphic novel about culture, sisterhood, and friendships. I grew to love the characters: Nao, Tina, and Hyejung, and when the story ended, I felt a satisfying closure but also alluded to what their futures might behold. The novel focuses on the women’s journey of heritage in a foreign country while trying o grow as individuals and it’s a story many readers can connect to.
I really enjoy coming-of-age stories and that’s what drew me to the book. Seeing the women grapple with language struggles and home while adapting to a new life really struck a chord with me (and will with other readers too). The novel is gorgeously illustrated and truly captures the feeling of being an outsider. The novel is rich with culture and tradition (and too much good food)! There was a good mixture of romance, comedy, drama, and a lot of heart.
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.
