Monthly Comic Corner: March 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 March which features a memoir, curious ghosts, and life on a farm.
*Trying to get this segment back on track, I haven’t had as much time to read graphic novels. Temporarily, I’ll be putting this segment on a bi-monthly basis due to my busy schedule.
Sheets by Brenna Thummler (2018)
Synopsis: Marjorie Glatt feels like a ghost. A practical thirteen year old in charge of the family laundry business, her daily routine features unforgiving customers, unbearable P.E. classes, and the fastidious Mr. Saubertuck who is committed to destroying everything she’s worked for.
Wendell is a ghost. A boy who lost his life much too young, his daily routine features ineffective death therapy, a sheet-dependent identity, and a dangerous need to seek purpose in the forbidden human world.
When their worlds collide, Marjorie is confronted by unexplainable disasters as Wendell transforms Glatt’s Laundry into his midnight playground, appearing as a mere sheet during the day. While Wendell attempts to create a new afterlife for himself, he unknowingly sabotages the life that Marjorie is struggling to maintain. (description from Goodreads)
Review: The main character Marjorie is struggling to keep her family’s laundromat afloat all the while missing her mom and dealing with being outcasted at school. Wendell, the other main character, is a younger ghost from the land of ghosts that has trouble fitting in with the others and travels to the land of the living to find out why humans and ghosts don’t get along. Wendell and Marjorie meet and though things are rocky at first they soon develop a kinship with each other
I loved the story so much! It was a short story, but it was heartfelt and moving. My only complaint is that I wish it was a bit longer so that it could expand on some of the characters and themes presented in the plot. I liked how the book talked about grieving, losing a losing one, and finding peace. The artwork (which features artist from the Anne of Green Gables graphic novel-which I recommend) uses so many vibrant colors, which makes the drawings pop.
Final Verdict:
Silver Spoon Vol.1 by Hiromu Arakawa (2011)
Synopsis: Silver Spoon (銀の匙 Gin no Saji) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa, set in the fictional Oezo Agricultural High School in Hokkaido. It depicts the daily life of Yugo Hachiken, a student from Sapporo who, unlike his new classmates, has no intention of following an agricultural career after graduating. Instead, he decided to study there under the misguided notion that he could easily be the top student in the class. (description from Goodreads)
Review: Arakawa is one of my top favorite mangaka due to her series Fullmetal Alchemist. This story is way different from that series as it has more of a slice of life focus.The story is a fish out of water narrative about a city boy who transfers to an agricultural high school in a rural town. The main character learns a lot about life and farming as he pushes himself to adapt to new surroundings (I also learned a lot of information about agriculture and live stock).
The cast of characters is very lively and I felt it matches the sometime silly tone of the story and all of the crazy antics that ensue at the farm. I found it to be very humorous. The coming of age theme is interesting and I’m curious to see how Yugo will do on his journey at Oezo High school.
Final Verdict:
El Deafo by Cece Bell (2014)
Synopsis: Starting at a new school is scary, even more so with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece’s class was deaf. Here she is different. She is sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends.
Then Cece makes a startling discovery. With the Phonic Ear she can hear her teacher not just in the classroom, but anywhere her teacher is in school — in the hallway… in the teacher’s lounge… in the bathroom! This is power. Maybe even superpower! Cece is on her way to becoming El Deafo, Listener for All. But the funny thing about being a superhero is that it’s just another way of feeling different… and lonely. Can Cece channel her powers into finding the thing she wants most, a true friend? (description from Goodreads)
Review:
A cute, heartwarming and informative novel about deaf culture from the own author’s childhood experiences (ownvoices). I loved the artwork (it’s kid friendly, but also appeals to a wide audience). I liked how bright the colors were (for the artwork) and the diagrams that help readers to understand certain aspects of the story (ex. the components of the hearing aids Cece wears).
This book offered a glance into deaf culture and while it was a major part of the story I also liked seeing pivotal moments in her life. I also learned about how technology for hearing aids has grown. What I really admired about Cece is that she felt empowered by calling herself “El Deafo” and the scenes where she transformed into a superhero. It’s a great coming of age story and I liked seeing her self-discovery journey.
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. 
