Category: Graphic Novel

A Review – Trinity Vol. 1: Better Together by Francis Manapul et al.

March 21, 2021 /

Diana and Bruce have come to break bread with Superman, but not the Superman they once knew. An unknown enemy derails these plans by laying a trap for the heroes. Each hero must confront their past.  Will this trio be able to work together enough to overcome the challenge?

Art Style

We see multiple styles through these issues, but I enjoyed the art. Manapul’s angular penciling and varied coloring create a welcome tone. Emanuela Lupacchino’s Wonder Woman is excellent, but the other characters feel cartoonish. 

Did I put it down?

Yes, the plot did not immediately grab me. I wanted something that picked up where the exciting story from Son of Superman ended.

Content

The novel is light on heavy content. We see comic violence.

Would I recommend Better Together?

I was excited about this one.  Some of my favorite stories have included team-ups.  These are DC’s feature characters, and I expected them to go all out. 

This novel did not live up to that hype.  That is not to say it is without merit. The writers develop and guide well-known characters through a clear narrative. I was confused initially as it progressed, but this resolved over time. 

Check out the title here. 

A Review – New Super-Man, Vol. 1: Made in China by Gene Luen Yang et al.

March 7, 2021 /

The Ministry of Self-Reliance has recruited Kong Kenan, a teenager from Shanghai. Imbued with the powers of a Kryptonian, he declares himself the New Super-Man.  Fighting alongside Bat-Man and Wonder-Woman, can he protect China from a rash of new “super villains”? 

Art Style

Overall, I enjoyed this aspect of the work. I loved the action and bright colors, although the art felt more muted as the story progressed.  Bogdanovic’s faces looked off to me in certain panels. A character can look completely different from one panel to the next.  I find myself distracted. 

This really competed with the artwork from Son of Superman.

Did I put it down?

Yes, and I almost did not pick it back up.  I could not find a reason.

Content

The main character bullies others throughout the story. Beyond this, we see comic violence.

Would I recommend Made in China?

No, I would not.  I wanted more ties to the Superman title. I suppose that is a personal preference, but the story did not know where it was going.  The arc was too short for what they tried to include.  Is this a political piece? Are we focusing on Kong Kenan’s family or his new allies?  Why is everything so derivative of the American Justice League?  Nothing felt developed enough. 

I am going to give the second volume a try. Even with everything I said above, this was an ambitious title, and I know that Gene Luen Yang is a talented storyteller.  I am looking forward to seeing what he can do with the title moving forward. 

Check out the title here. 

Superman: Action Comics, Volume 1: Path of Doom by Dan Jurgens et al.

February 21, 2021 /

Clark did not expect to reveal himself to the world this soon, but when Lex Luthor dons the shield of the House of El, it is time to suit up. He also didn’t expect to team up with Luthor against one of his most fearsome enemies – Doomsday.  We have a battle to the death on our hands with the Kryptonian hunting, killing machine.  Who will come out on top?

Art Style

The panels told the story, but they felt a bit static and lifeless. I was looking for a bit more here.

Did I put it down?

No, but I wanted to be done with the story earlier than expected.  Doomsday has had enough stories that this one did not even interest me sentimentally.

Content

Doomsday is no walk in the park for the Man of Steel. We see references to his prior “death,” and there is plenty of comics-style violence here.

Would I recommend Path of Doom?

I was not as impressed here as I was with Son of Superman. The art and dialogue were stiff, and the experience never came to life. I still like this as a prelude to future stories, and it sets the table for some exciting arcs. I will continue reading the series, but I am looking forward to the Tomasi work more. 

Check the title out here.

A Review- Superman, Volume 1: Son of Superman by Peter J. Tomasi et al.

February 7, 2021 /

As a displaced Clark lays this universe’s Superman to rest, he looks to the fate of his own family.  His young son Jonathan is struggling with controlling his powers.  As the Kents adapt, a ghost of Krypton detects a member of the House of El and his son. 

Art Style

The colors certainly grab the eye.  The red and blue tend to do this.  They are vibrant, but the tone is appropriate throughout. I especially enjoyed the sections with Jon using his powers.  The portrayal is raw and wild.  Superman has a particular style, and I found that with this first volume.

Did I put it down?

No, but I did pace myself. A reader could devour this book in one sitting. With this genre, returning to admire the artwork enhances the experience.  I almost always find something that I missed.

Content

A couple of moments struck me as particularly brutal for a Superman story. One of these highlights the dangers of Jon using his new powers unchecked.  Beyond these, we are talking about generic comic-book violence.

Would I recommend Son of Superman?

I absolutely would. I had set down Superman during the “New 52” era because I found the early story convoluted and lacking directions.  Other quality titles only highlighted these failures at the time.   I have been looking for any excuse to return to this title, as I have enjoyed Superman since I was a child.  I fully intend to continue delving into this title.

Tomasi and Gleason set an immediate direction for Supes here. This story is not about the baddies. Here, Superman is building a family and finding his role in this world. He isn’t just an alien to our world, but our universe as well.  While filling the previous Superman’s boots, Clark builds trust with Jon, and Lois finds her place surrounded by two superpowered beings.

A Review- Fangs by Sarah Andersen

January 17, 2021 /

Two people fall in love. Well, a vampire and a werewolf fall in love. Andersen’s graphic novel Fangs follows their exploits. 

Art Style

Andersen’s book is in black and white.  Compared to other work she has done, the artwork here is simple.  For the most part, the art tells the story well.  A few panes left me questioning what was happening.  

Did I put it down?

I took my time, and I gave it my full attention. Unfortunately, I still put it down after about 30 pages.  I had been expecting something more narrative, and the book was more like a collection of comic panels from the newspaper.  After resetting those expectations, the book flowed better.

Content

I would consider this comically mature.  Nothing is overly-explicit, but we are still dealing with vampires and werewolves.

Would I recommend Fangs?


I am sure that there is an audience for this. With the story being light-hearted and humorous, I found enjoyable moments. If someone were looking for a comic strip style story, I would recommend this. For those who must read everything supernatural, this is a book for you.  If you are looking for a connected plot, this isn’t what you will find.

A Review- Barking by Lucy Sullivan

December 20, 2020 /

The Story:  After a year, the death of her friend still haunts Alix Otto.  Stalked by a shadowy hound, she is institutionalized after a desperate series of events.  Barking tells the story of Alix’s journey through her grief and the system. 

Art Style: Sullivan’s book is fully in black and white.  The pencilled style gives a feeling that is both ethereal and raw.  When searching for my next read, her erratic art style attracted me to this book.  The layout was fluid throughout the book, changing with Alix’s state. This format lends itself well to the subject matter. 

Did I put it down?  Not once. The opening sequence was intense and disturbing.  I found myself immediately invested in Alix as a character. 

Content: Sullivan is discussing delicate material.  The main themes of the book revolve around mental health. Suicidal ideation is a subject matter early, and mental health institutions are addressed as well.  We do see some vulgar language used by characters, but this is not gratuitous. 

Would I recommend Barking? Absolutely. Admittedly, the topics discussed could be troubling for some readers. Beyond this, Sullivan does telling a compelling story. Take a look at the book along with other authors for this publisher at https://unbound.com/books/barking/.

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