Monthly Comic Corner: December Edition

“Monthly Comic Corner” is a segment that compiles mini-reviews of comics, graphic novels, and manga that I’ve read for the month. Here are my reviews for the month of December which features a game of survival, a bookstore that brings up fond memories, and a classic tale.

Anne of Green Gables by Mariah Marsden (2017)

Synopsis: Schoolyard rivalries. Baking disasters. Puffed sleeves. Explore the violet vales and glorious green of Avonlea in this spirited adaptation.

The magic of L.M. Montgomery’s treasured classic is reimagined in a whimsically-illustrated graphic novel adaptation perfect for newcomers and kindred spirits alike. When Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan who can help manage their family farm, they have no idea what delightful trouble awaits them. With flame-red hair and an unstoppable imagination, 11-year-old Anne Shirley takes Green Gables by storm.

Anne’s misadventures bring a little romance to the lives of everyone she meets: her bosom friend, Diana Barry; the town gossip, Mrs. Lynde; and that infuriating tease, Gilbert Blythe. From triumphs and thrills to the depths of despair, Anne turns each everyday moment into something extraordinary.

Review: This is an absolutely beautiful adaptation of one of my favorite classics. I always resonated with Anne in a way because she is very talkative, has a very vivid imagination, and is a big dreamer. Though everything is not included from the original book a lot of the story is incorporated without overwhelming those who are unfamiliar with the story.

Readers get a glimpse of Anne when she first arrives at Green Gables all the way till her college graduation. The artwork is detailed, colorful, truly does justice bringing this story to life.

Final Verdict:

Limit Vol. 1 by Keiko Suenobu (2010)

Synopsis: In classrooms across the globe there are cliques. These circles have set their own rules and standards that they attempt to impose on their peers, to varying success. Sometimes these groups go beyond the principles of friendship and scholarship. And in seemingly increasing numbers some of these groups turn to perversely righteous self-preservation.

Review: Think Lord of the Flies when you read this manga. Five high school girls are stranded in the forest and the only survivors of a bush crash that happens during a school trip. Left alone in the woods they have to fend for themselves and work together to stay alive. On top of everything all the girls are from different cliques which brings up tensions, but  in this situation survival what is important.

Readers are introduced to the final five and learn more about each character through flashbacks. We see how they were perceived, their personalities, social status,and instances of bullying which all end up playing a part in their survival.I watched TV J-drama adaptation of this book and wanted to see the difference between the manga and the show. I found this was just as gritty, dark, and violent as the show was. Recommended read.

Final Verdict:

Kingyo Used Books Vol.1 Seimu Yoshizaki

Synopsis: Every bookstore has a thousand stories to tell. An art student finds inspiration. An archer hits a bull’s-eye. A homemaker rediscovers romance. A teenager discovers his true self in the pages of a manga magazine. All this and more at Kingyo Used Books, a place that helps people find their dreams.

Review: A manga that is different from others that I have read. Kingyo Used Books is a manga about a manga shop,the people who work there, and customers that visit there. Interwoven into the book are themes of life and self discovery in each little story (the first volume has five stories). While it’s a manga about daily life it shows how love of manga can bring people together. They spark inspiration to those who feel stuck in life, cheer you up when your feeling down and reading your favorite book, and make you reminiscence about good times.

I could relate to this! I felt that the stories in this collection were easy to read and I liked that you felt a sense of connection with the characters.Enjoyed volume one and looking forward to reading more this manga!

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. 🙂