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Month: August 2020

BOOK REVIEW: Ever After by Olivia Vieweg

BOOK REVIEW: Ever After by Olivia Vieweg

Ever After
by Olivia Vieweg

Lerner Publishing Group
You Like Them

Graphic Universe ™
Comics & Graphic Novels | Teens & YA
Pub Date 1 Sep 2020 | Archive Date 10 Sep 2020

Description:

Vivi and Eva are two travelers in a countryside filled with the undead. After a train breaks down, stranding them between safe zones, the young women partner up to stay alive. Vivi is struggling with grief—and guilt—over the loss of her sister. Eva is hiding the start of a horrifying transformation. Together they’ll face heat, zombie hordes, and their own inner demons, searching for signs of life in a land of the dead. This graphic novel addition to an enduring genre is thoughtful and emotion-driven, but also full of zombie scares and action.

Review

Hey look it is a zombie horde! Post-Societal collapse scenarios are a staple of YA fiction. Therefore it is not easy to tread new ground and it is equally easy to fall into cliche. Ever After does not manage to avoid these cliches; however, there is enough heart to make you care about the characters and what happens to them.

First to the criticisms. Zombie stories are played out. The zombie lore in Ever After is somewhat muddled. I wasn’t sure what the rules to the virus were which left me confused at points. The review copy provided had lettering that bit lower res that the art but I think this is due to the fact it is a translation.

Now the positives. While Veiweg’s art style is one that I never really warmed up to, she does a beautiful job of creating both intimate character moments and shocking visuals. There is an injury near the ends of the book that made me wince at the awfulness of it. This is what you want in a Zombie story, gore, and, a sense of building tension as the plight gets worse and worse.

Despite being over 200 pages, the story moved at a fair clip. I read it in one sitting, which perhaps was a disservice to the book.

Like any good road trip movie, our protagonist’s relationship develops over time with both ups and downs. The characters are believable, and their relationship with each is one that I wanted to succeed.

Reading this also made me question if I would have enjoyed it more if I weren’t in lockdown? Can you separate a book from the circumstances in which you are reading it? I don’t know. However, the incongruity of the Vieweg’s cartoonish illustration with the subject matter is not something I think I overcame. That and my personal burnout on zombie stories meant I did not enjoy this much. For a younger audience (anyone under 30 years old) I think. There are thrilling moments, genuine scares, and, moments of real emotion in this book. Worth a read if you like your zombie stories with a heart.

15/30

BOOK REVIEW: The Stringbags by Garth Ennis & P.J. Holden

BOOK REVIEW: The Stringbags by Garth Ennis & P.J. Holden

The Stringbags

by Written by Garth Ennis; Drawn by P.J. Holden; Colored by Kelly Fitzpatrick; Lettered by Rob Steen

Dead Reckoning

Comics & Graphic Novels History

Pub Date 20 May 2020 | Archive Date 1 Sep 2020

There is much to admire about The Stringbags, but it missed the mark for me. It left me with the feeling that I should have liked it more than I did. Stringbags follows the adventures of a fighter crew in World War 2 as part of Britain’s Royal Navy. Our heroes are not the top guns they are “the other guys” saddled with an outdated Fairey Swordfish biplanes. Garth Ennis writing of characters as always is splendid and especially of the banter between them is humorous. Ennis effortlessly establishes that these guys have been serving together a long time. And that they are looked down upon by colleagues and superiors. They are goofball underdogs determined to do their bit.

Holden does a masterful job of doing both the little and big things exceedingly well. The expressions of joy, frustrations, relief, and, horror on the faces of the characters are depicted with a deft touch. It has a feel of retro war comics. The actions scenes show the chaos, terror, and, excitement of battle. The colours by Fitzpatrick are slickly handled and give a real air of the 1940s to the book.

I think my problem with the book starts with its tone, which I felt was all over the place. At times it feels like an Ealing comedy where our lads are bungling from one scrape to another and then it pulls in another direction entirely by showing the full monstrosity of what humans do to each in battle. I read an interview where Ennis talks about the book, and he mentions that war while awful is also the arena where great acts of bravery are done. I think he tried to walk a line of showing that war is a terrible thing that should not happen and that it is also the arena for acts heroism. He is only partly successful. 

My other problem is a minor personal bugbear. Pilots on the Allied side in WW2 stories are almost always portrayed as British or American. The massive contribution that Polish and other European pilots played in the air defence efforts is overlooked. I know this is entirely irrelevant as there probably weren’t any Polish pilots in the engagements shown in the book. Irrational, I know, but it bothered me that this wasn’t mentioned. 

For fans of World War 2 stories, this book is highly recommended. The mixture of historical facts, technical accuracy, and, relatable protagonists works well. For everyone else, this is entertaining enough but fails to really soar.  

Book Review: Big Black: Stand at Attica by Frank “Big Black” Smith, Jared Reinmuth, Ameziane

Book Review: Big Black: Stand at Attica by Frank “Big Black” Smith, Jared Reinmuth, Ameziane

Big Black: Stand at Attica by Frank “Big Black” Smith, Jared Reinmuth, Ameziane
BOOM! Studios / Archaia
Description
A graphic novel memoir from Frank “Big Black” Smith, a prisoner at Attica State Prison in 1971, whose rebellion against the injustices of the prison system remains one of the bloodiest civil rights confrontations in American history.
FOUR DAYS IN 1971 CHANGED THE COURSE OF AMERICAN HISTORY. THIS IS THE TRUE STORY FROM THE MAN AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL.
In the summer of 1971, the New York’s Attica State Prison is a symbol of everything broken in America – abused prisoners, rampant racism and a blind eye turned towards the injustices perpetrated on the powerless. But when the guards at Attica overreact to a minor incident, the prisoners decide they’ve had enough – and revolt against their jailers, taking them hostage and making demands for humane conditions. Frank “Big Black” Smith finds himself at the center of this uprising, struggling to protect hostages, prisoners and negotiators alike. But when the only avenue for justice seems to be negotiating with ambitious Governor Nelson Rockefeller, Big Black soon discovers there may be no hope in finding a peaceful resolution for the prisoners in Attica.
Written by Jared Reinmuth and Frank “Big Black” Smith himself, adapted and illustrated by Ameziane, Big Black: Stand At Attica is an unflinching look at the price of standing up to injustice in what remains one of the bloodiest civil rights confrontations in American history.

Review
Notes:
Digital review copy provided by NetGalley. My experience was marred by not being able to view the double-page spreads properly.

Attica. Being British it is not an event I knew a lot about. In fact, my knowledge of it comes from films like Dog Day Afternoon and references in popular culture. The state-sanctioned murder of prisoners and the subsequent cover-up are an affront to the rule of law. Some of the panels drawn by Ameziane are sickening. The depictions of torture, in particular, were difficult to read, the desperation and terror felt by the prisoners as the guards take their revenge are brought to life skillfully.
Frank “Big Black” Smith is the focus of the book. He is a magnetic presence, and you get a feel for the charisma he must have had in real life. One does get a sense that he is blowing his own trumpet and the book, in my opinion, glosses over any flaws he has.
It would be impossible to review this book without having BLM in the back of one’s mind. The racism, both systemic and outright that caused the kidnappings and riots at Attica all those years ago are still present today.
The dialogue stands out. It is not often in a comic that you get a real sense of a character’s personality and goals just from a few lines, but that happens here. Even the minor characters seem well rounded and 3rd dimensional.
My experience was marred by Adobe Digital Edition. I wasn’t able to use two-page view mode, and that made sections of the book that relied on two-page spread challenging to read. I enjoyed Big Black: Stand at Attica, but it did make me wonder about the inherent limitations of the graphic novel format. I just felt like there so much more to know. With as many characters as there are some of the talking head sections felt crowded. Maybe with a story like this that has so many strands any art form would have struggled to convey what happened. Frank’s story touches on political corruption, a flawed justice system, institutional brutality, and, the media’s complicity when the state abuses its power. Heavy themes.

As an introduction to Frank, Attica, and, the events that happened in 1971, Big Black: Stand at Attica serves as a compelling introduction. Ameziane artwork is impressive, and I am eager to get my hands on a hard copy so I can appreciate it fully.

Book Review: Frankie Comics by Rachel Dukes

Book Review: Frankie Comics by Rachel Dukes

Frankie Comics by Rachel Dukes

Oni Press

Pub Date 25 Aug 2020

A comic about cat ownership. Some good gags but I struggled to finish the book as I didn’t care about the cat or any of the characters. You’re getting what you think you’re getting. Not for me but it is okay for what it is.

BOOK REVIEW: Eden by Tomek Woroniak

BOOK REVIEW: Eden by Tomek Woroniak

Eden
by Script & art by Tomek Woroniak

Europe Comics
Sci Fi & Fantasy
Pub Date 22 Apr 2020  

Description
Once upon a Christmas Eve, animals begin to talk. And they refuse to be muzzled again. Humans aren’t going to like what they have to say, and it isn’t long before the consequences of the animals’ newfound communication turn tragic. Not understanding their pets is no longer a valid excuse for ignorant masters, and shunning those who squeal and chirp ceases to be feasible. The tables are turned, and it’s up to humankind to deal with the situation. A smart, thought-provoking book that prompts readers to rethink their habits, and which stands as a superbly crafted, emotion-packed story.

REVIEW

I can’t say I enjoyed Eden. Too many of the elements did not work. It is overly long. The black and white art in parts is fantastic but also inconsistent. It would have benefited Woroniak
to have worked with an editor that could chop 20 or 30 pages from the novel.

Eden is set in a world where animals begin to talk and have taken over. I kind of fell at this hurdle. In terms of suspending my disbelief and falling into the world that the author created I just didn’t. I just don’t believe that with humanities violent capability that this would have happened.

Humans have been relegated to being an underclass, and there are hints that the new animal regime is rife with hypocrisy and abuse.

The themes of veganism, virtue signalling, tyranny, and, how to navigate a brave new world are all explored.

The dialogue is effective. It is in turns sharp and funny when it needs to be, and it also pulls on your heartstrings, especially in the scenes between Simon and his parents. I did a podcast about this book, and I was less harsh on it there but thinking about it now I don’t think I can recommend it. The good stuff in here is marred by cliché drug-taking scenes and a protagonist that is hard to root for because he is so passive.

Woroniak is a talented cartoonist, and I’d look forward to reading his future, but for me, this was a miss.

BOOK Review: Beneficio by Michał Kalicki & Gawron

BOOK Review: Beneficio by Michał Kalicki & Gawron

Beneficio by Michał Kalicki & Gawron

Europe Comics

Pub Date 22 Apr 2020  

Description

Not so long ago, humankind did not move as widely as it does today. Few left their native village, and people were left to wonder what lay beyond the next hill or valley. But life was full of storytellers, folklore, performers, nature. These days anyone can buy a ticket to the other side of the world, but what is the purpose? What are we seeking? This poetic work seeks evasive answers to the questions we have all asked ourselves about the mysteries of modern life.

REVIEW

My review is that I didn’t get. I felt a bit thick reading this. It felt like it was referencing things that I didn’t know about. The art is eerie and the colour palette is gives a sense of strangeness. From my understanding one of the themes explored is loneliness and strangeness of the modern world.

Some of the images lingered with me after I put it down. This book is a surreal and often abstract travelogue that baffled me. The lettering frustrated me and I can’t say I enjoyed reading it. I’d say it verges on pretentiousness but I’m not sure that is true.

Not sure who would enjoy this. If I have any Polish readers can you please let me know how it reads in its native language.

BOOK REVIEW: SOON V1 by by Thomas Cadène & Benjamin Adam

BOOK REVIEW: SOON V1 by by Thomas Cadène & Benjamin Adam

Description: The world has changed significantly. Damage caused by climate change and the resurgence of certain deadly diseases has drastically reduced the world’s population. Nature has taken back control, and the survivors are spread out over different urban zones. Simone, 50, is an astronaut who has been in training for a controversial one-way space mission. Simone will have to leave her son Youri forever. Before they say goodbye, Simone asks Youri to travel with her to the seven urban zones.

Review:

Soon is a strange mix of world-building and intimate family drama. There is a lot of exposition in Soon that is framed through the device of Youri explaining to his mother Simone the things he has learned about the history of the world. Set in a post-collapse future where humanity’s population is smaller than that of today as a result of disasters both natural and manmade. Reading Youri recount these events in a time of Covid-19 and Extinction Rebellion feels uncomfortably possible.

The art in Soon is somewhat reminiscent of Titan (one of my favourite books of the year) in that the colour palette is no more than four or five colours depending on what “zone” the characters are in. It also uses the same technique of colouring the speech bubbles of characters. As with Titan, there were occasions where the change in speech bubble colour made it difficult to decipher who was speaking. Some of the explanatory diagrams, while beautiful, were occasionally difficult to follow. The character and world design are magnificent. The simplistic lines convey so much nuanced emotion in the faces of the characters.

Youri is heart-broken. He is about to be abandoned by his mother. The trip that he and Simone go on is about making lasting memories and as a way of Simone justifying the purpose mission not only to Youri but to a sceptical public. One of the conversations that takes place that particular hit home with me is if the resources spent on a risky space mission could be better spent on feeding the hungry. Soon is a coming of age story about a boy who is sure he doesn’t want his mother to leave him but not much else. The trip opens up his eyes to the dangerous reality of the world, the avarice of humanity, and, the things we have to give up to reach the goals we have set for ourselves.

Soon verges at points at being preachy but it is redeemed by a wonderfully portrayed mother and son relationship. The dialogue between Youri and Simone brims with old arguments, recriminations, love, and, the reaching need each of the characters has for the others. For Simone, it for Youri to truly understand and accept why she is leaving and for Youri, it is for Simone not to go.

I think at points Soon gets the balance between human drama and backstory wrong. The book truly sings when Youri and Simone are on the same page not saying all the things they genuinely want to say. The diagrams explaining all the history of the world can cause the pace of the story to slow. However, all in all, this is a superb sci-fi story, and I am eagerly awaiting v2.

BOOK REVIEW: Lizard in a Zoot Suit by Marco Finnegan

BOOK REVIEW: Lizard in a Zoot Suit by Marco Finnegan

Lizard in a Zoot Suit
by Marco Finnegan

Lerner Publishing Group
Graphic Universe ™

Pub Date 4 Aug 2020   |   

Description
Los Angeles, 1943. It’s the era of the Zoot Suit Riots, and Flaca and Cuata have a problem. It’s bigger than being grounded by their strict mother. It’s bigger than tensions with the soldiers stationed nearby. And it’s shaped like a five-foot-tall lizard. When a lost member of an unknown underground species needs help, the sisters must scramble to keep their new friend away from a corrupt military scientist—but they’ll do it in style. Cartoonist Marco Finnegan presents Lizard in a Zoot Suit, an outrageous, historical, sci-fi graphic novel.

REVIEW

A ripping adventure comic that has a unique historical setting. Being British, there are periods of American history with which I am not familiar. The novel comes with historical notes explaining the racist beatings dolled out by naval recruits and the societal impacts that they had.

The art here is fluid, and the choice of having a rather simple colour palette is a good one. There is a real sense of place and time. Flaca and Cuata are characters that I as a reader quickly grew fond of and I’d urge the Finnegan to write further stories featuring them.

The spirit of the story reminded of the Back to the Future films. The action is thrilling; the dialogue is tight, and, there is a cast of memorable characters. The good girls are brave, and the villains are nefarious. One of the strongest compliment I can give the book is that made me want to learn more about when it was set and see these characters have further adventures. Great fun.