Monthly Comic Corner: January & February Edition
“Monthly Comic Corner” is a segment that compiles mini-reviews of comics, graphic novels, and manga that I’ve read for the month. I’ve actually fallen behind on this segment due to my busy schedule, but I’m working on trying to get back to it’s “monthly status”. Here are my reviews for the month of January and February which features a dynamic superhero, a world filled with ghouls, and otherworldly demons!
Tokyo Ghoul Vol.1-2 by Sui Ishida
Genre: Manga, Horror, Fantasy
Synopsis: Shy Ken Kaneki is thrilled to go on a date with the beautiful Rize. But it turns out that she’s only interested in his body—eating it, that is. When a morally questionable rescue transforms him into the first half-human half-Ghoul hybrid, Ken is drawn into the dark and violent world of Ghouls, which exists alongside our own. (description from Goodreads)
Review: This manga peaked my interest since I’ve been meaning to watch the anime version for a year now. Ishida’s take on ghouls in this manga is particularly interesting when it comes to the horror/paranormal genre. People fight for survival in a world where there is a constant battle between human beings and ghouls.
Kaneki is a pretty ordinary guy and when he becomes a “half-ghoul” he struggles to adapt to his new lifestyle. On top of that, he doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere. He’s stuck in between: he’s not a human being or a full-fledged ghoul.es. Though this manga can be pretty graphic at times and some of the ghouls are definitely (super eerie) it only adds to the environment. I’m curious to see how Kaneki will evolve with his ghoul powers.
Final Verdict:
Onigani vol.1-2 by Akira Ishida
Genre: Manga, Action, Comedy, Supernatural
Synopsis: Average schoolgirl Nanami is excited about only one thing – getting closer to her crush during the new school year. Little does she know that there’s an ancient power running through her veins, which is why she’s being pursued by Tomotaka Onigoroshi, a swordswoman who will stop at nothing to rid the world of Nanami’s presence! But while their initial confrontation is as hunter and quarry, will Tomotaka’s allegiances shift when Nanami steps up to defend her against an unexpected opponent? (description from Goodreads)
Review: This manga follows the story of a high school that has the powers of a demon ancestor. After her powers are suddenly awakened Nanami comes into contact with demon slayers who protect her from demons trying to obtain her powers.
I went into this story with high expectations, but was let ultimately down. This story has been done time and time before in various manga, and I was hoping for a different take on this genre only to have the story fall flat. On the plus side, the characters are a lot of fun and I admired the art style too.
Final Verdict:
Woman Woman: Earth One Vol.1 by Grant Morrison
Genre: Comics, Fantasy, Fiction, Superheroes
Synopsis: Critically acclaimed, best-selling writer Grant Morrison (All-Star Superman, Batman, Inc.) once again pushes the boundaries of the graphic novel page in his mind-bending new take on the most powerful woman in the DC Universe. With stunning art by Yanick Paquette (Swamp Thing), Wonder Woman: Earth One, Volume One is an easily accessible jumping on point for new readers. (description from Goodreads)
Review: I haven’t shown too much of an interest in superhero comics until recently, but Wonder Woman has always been one of my favorites so I had to borrow this from my local library. Going into this comic I was vaguely knowledgeable about Wonder Woman’s backstory and seeing that this comic was focused on her origin story had me intrigued.
The first volume is engaging and entertaining. The plot moves at a solid pace and explains Wonder Woman’s background without giving too much information at one time. In the story, Dinah is put on trial and readers are taken into her past to see how she chose to leave her Amazonian homeland and go to the USA. The artwork is very impressive and use of vivid colors made the story come to life. I’m definitely interested in reading the rest of this series.
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. 🙂
I read the March volumes over the winter break, which were informative and engaging. I’m glad, now, that I waited until all three were available. Now I have the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl comics lined up, and I hope they will be entertaining and light-hearted, as I could use a dose of that just now. The only manga series I have followed loyally is Yotsuba! which is aimed towards younger readers, but I find it charming and sweet, and I especially love the relationship between her and her dad, which is as different as can be imagined from my own experience. Look forward to hearing about your ongoing adventures in comics!
I have March next on my graphic novel TBR. I tried to read Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, but the story didn’t catch my attention. Yotsuba is one my all time favorite manga! The series is fun and cute!
Hey. If you enjoy Manga, you might like Death Note
I’ve been reading a bunch of comics by women this year, having reached a critical mass of female-authored comics I was embarrassed not to have read yet. :p So I caught myself up on Gail Simone’s run on Batgirl, Marjorie Liu’s Monstress, and some Marjorie Liu X-23 comics to prepare for the Logan movie (slash I just like Marjorie Liu a lot).
I have three trade paperbacks of Wonder Woman awaiting me to read, but they’re the ones by Brian Azzarello. Gotta get on it! I’ve never read a Wonder Woman.
Good picks! I didn’t realize Majorie Liu had comics so I’ll have to check those out too! 🙂
I love comics and I love to see more reviews of them. Very few blogs do that. Which reminds me, maybe I should be more updated in the comics section in mine too.
Thanks for the reveiws
Thanks Resh! I hope bloggers start writing more comic reviews too, I enjoy reading them. You should do some comic reviews as well. I’d like to do more comic reviews in the feature besides the monthly segment I have now.