Tag: novel

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- 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/.

Subscribe

* indicates required
/ ( mm / dd )

© 2024 Pop's Book Stop

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑