Monthly Comic Corner: June Edition

Welcome to a brand new review segment on my blog called “Monthly Comic Corner”! This monthly segment will compile mini-reviews of comics, graphic novels, and manga that I’ve read for the month. Some of the graphic novels, etc. I review will still continue to stay as standalone reviews if I write a lengthier review of certain books. I will try to keep these reviews limited to issues and volumes of comics.

Afterlife With Archie Vol. 1 by Francesco Francavilla (Artist), Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Writer)

Page Length: 160 pages (paperback edition)

Genre: Horror, Fiction

Synopsis:

 When Jughead’s beloved pet Hot Dog is killed in a hit and run, Jughead turns to the only person he knows who can help bring back his canine companion—Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Using dark, forbidden magic, Sabrina is successful and Hot Dog returns to the land of the living. But he’s not the same… and soon, the darkness he brings back with him from beyond the grave begins to spread, forcing Archie and the gang to try to escape Riverdale! (description from Goodreads)

Review:

Imagine a more modern version of Archie of Riverdale that clashes with a plot straight out of a classic horror movie. In volume one of Afterlife With Archie, the story starts off with a Pet Sematary vibe as Jughead goes to Sabrina (the teenage witch) for help after his dog Hot Dog gets hit by car. Sabrina is able to resurrect Hot Dog, except he comes back as a vicious zombie dog!

Growing up I was accustomed to the original Archie series which I love, but have really enjoyed the new reboot of the series as well. This zombie spin-off story is great for fans of the horror genre. I like that the series plays homage to the horror classics such as Night of the Living Dead and numerous Hitchcock films. It’s a bit gory at times, but it’s to be expected when it’s a terrifying zombie comic.

Final Verdict:

Adulthood Is A Myth: A Sarah’s Scribbles Collection by Sarah Andersen

Page Length: 109 pages (paperback edition)

Genre: Humor, Non-fiction

Synopsis: 

Are you a special snowflake?

Do you enjoy networking to advance your career?

Is adulthood an exciting new challenge for which you feel fully prepared?

Ugh. Please go away.

This book is for the rest of us. These comic document the wasting of entire beautiful weekends on the internet, the unbearable agony of holding hands on the street with a gorgeous guy, dreaming all day of getting home and back into pajamas, and wondering when, exactly, this adulthood thing begins. In other words, the horrors and awkwardnesses of young modern life. (description from Goodreads)

Review:

This book is a fun compilation of the humorous comic shorts, Sarah’s Scribbles. While the art and drawings are simplistic, the focus is more on the content of Sarah’s comics. Her shorts are meant to make you laugh out loud while being relatable to young modern adult life. Her comics resonated with me because I could relate to the fear of the unknown that comes after college graduation, watching Netflix in large chunks, or even compulsive shopping.

In her book, Sarah covers a wide range of topics from the awkwardness of dating, being a bookworm, the realities of social media, and much more. It’s very short book that can be read in one sitting and it also makes a great pick-me-up book that is sure to put a smile on your face. I’m looking forward to reading more of Sarah’s Scribbles!

Final Verdict:

What fun or interesting comics, graphic novels, or manga have you read lately? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, and if you have any recommendations feel free to share those as well. 🙂