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 include a ghostly sibling, an epic quest, and a tender love story.
The Phantom Twin by Lisa Brown (2020)
Isabel and Jane are the Extraordinary Peabody Sisters, conjoined twins in a traveling carnival freak show—until an ambitious surgeon tries to separate them and fails, causing Jane’s death.
Isabel has lost an arm and a leg but gained a ghostly companion: Her dead twin is now her phantom limb. Haunted, altered, and alone for the first time, can Isabel build a new life that’s truly her own?
A strange and heartfelt story about two sisters, Isabel & Jane, who stay connected even after tragedy. Laced with colorful illustrations and an immersive setting, readers will be engaged in the story from beginning to end. The story showcases the juxtaposition of freak shows and how enchanting they can be for audiences, but how exploitative they are for performers.
Isabel grapples with the loss of her sister and is trying to create a new identity for herself despite Jane still lingering along. She has lost everything and must learn how to build her life back again. Besides the twins, we also get glimpses of the other performers and their struggles as well. In the end, they are all a family and have learned to look for one another. There’s a lot of heart within this story and it shows.
Final Verdict:
Norroway: Book 1: The Black Bull Of Norroway by Kit & Cat Seaton (2018)
Sibylla always wanted adventure, but she didn’t know it would come in the form of a giant, magical bull. Is he a man or a monster? And who knew a prophecy could be so literal?
Based on the classic Scottish fairy tale, this is the first title in a new series co-created by sibling writer/artist team CAT SEATON and KIT SEATON, begins the adventure of a lifetime.
The first installment of this series is promising and leaves the reader wanting more. The story which is based on a Scottish tale cleverly mixes adventure, fantasy, and mythology elements in the plot. While some tales seem cut and dry in their plot this one hits a lot deeper than the surface as expressed through the questions that prompt the reader to challenge what fairy tales can promise us.
I appreciated how the story explores themes of curses, bravery, myth, and societal roles. Sybylla feels conflicted about wanting to help and being dragged into a life she didn’t want. Readers get to see her vulnerability as well as confidence as she faces dangerous situations head-on. Those who love a good fantasy novel, with mythical creatures, quests, and gorgeous landscapes should pick up this graphic novel.
Final Verdict:
The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz (2023)
Lady Camembert wants to live life on her own terms, without marriage. Well, without marrying a man, that is. But the law of the land is that women cannot inherit. So when her father passes away, she does the only thing she can: She disguises herself as a man and moves to the capital city of the Kingdom of Fromage to start over as Count Camembert.
But it’s hard to keep a low profile when the beautiful Princess Brie, with her fierce activism and great sense of fashion, catches her attention. Camembert can’t resist getting to know the princess, but as the two grow closer, will she able to keep her secret?
What a beautifully illustrated and wholesome story. It gives a throwback to traditional fairytale stories and classic princess tales but with a more modern twist. This story is swoon-worthy with a cute romance to root for and has many comedic bits to make you laugh. All the characters, including the leads, have such vibrant personalities that hook you into the story.
The plot line of mistaken identity evolves into a larger conversation about finding yourself and staying true to yourself which I enjoyed. The artwork style is so much fun and I’d love to check out more of Muniz’s works. I liked that the story had a personal touch and tied into the author’s own life which gave the graphic novel a lot of heart. Such a cozy read!
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.
