Comics I've Read Recently: Spring 2018

I read a good amount of comics, but it has been almost a year since I've done one of these posts. Usually I do it every few months so I was about due. Lately with as little as I am reading, it's comics that I turn to to round out my reading months. Plus it's just great to read something a little different and comics are amazing.

Runaways, Vol. 7: Live Fast by Brian K. Vaughn and Adrian Alphona 
(Amazon / Goodreads / Comixology)

Synopsis: The Runaways say good-bye to the past, and make hard decisions about their future. Plus: Still reeling from the events of Civil War: Young Avengers/Runaways, the teenage heroes must now confront a horrific enemy who threatens to tear the team apart!

Collects Runaways #19-24.

My Thoughts:

I have read the original Runaways for awhile now. I don't know why I have been waiting so long because I seriously love it. It's definitely my kind of comic. It has a unique cast of teenage characters, mystery, and a little bit of a sci-fi flair.

And this one was just as good as all the other previous books. Volume 6 seriously broke my heart and in this one I totally felt for Chase. I mean Chase may be my favorite character in the series and so him struggling really hit me. But in general the character development in this series has been amazing. You really connect with them over seven books and you want them to succeed so it's hard to see them not.

Only the whole, this is an amazing series and I think the perfect comic for people who may not necessarily big fans of comics. It's super accessible if you are new to comics and for people who do love them there is enough to enjoy.

Lumberjanes, Vol. 3: A Terrible Plan by Noelle Stevensen and Shannon Waters

 (Amazon / Goodreads / Comixology)

Synopsis: IF YOU GOT IT, HAUNT IT!

 Trying to take advantage of the first quiet day at camp in a while, Mal and Molly's date takes a bizarre turn with the appearance of the Bear Woman! Back at camp, Jo, April, and Ripley must stay on their toes as they try and earn every badge possible, which ends up being a lot harder than any of them ever planned.

 This New York Times bestselling series continues with Lumberjanes #9, "If You Got It, Haunt It Badge;" #10, "Abscence Make the Heart Grow Fondant Badge;" #11, "Go Ball-istic Badge;" and #12, "Oldie but Goodie Badge."

My Thoughts:

This is another series that I am really dragging my feet on reading. I really enjoyed the first two volumes and I wanted to keep reading it but for some reason it took me a year or so to actually do that. But this is such a fun series. It's geared a little bit younger but it's still got great characters and lots of fun and engaging storylines.

The interesting thing in volume three is that it's one of the first ones where the gang is split up. Mal and Molly kind of take focus as they go on their own solo adventure. I loved seeing these two get a little bit more of the attention because I think sometimes they can get lost among some of the more vivacious characters in the group.

This was definitely a great volume in the Lumberjanes series and I am really glad I took the time and continued reading it. Again, this is a comic that is really accessible. It's fun and super readable with great characters and is perfect for a preteen or teenage girl who wants comics where they can see themselves represented.

Lumberjanes Vol. 4: Out of Time by Noelle Stevensen and Shannon Waters

 (Amazon / Goodreads / Comixology)

Synopsis: The mystery of history! 

 Jen just wants a normal lesson with her cabin, teaching Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley the basic survival skills needed without any supernatural intervention. But when a blizzard hits camp, Jen finds herself separated from the girls and in more trouble than ever... until a mysterious taxidermist swoops in to save the day. Who is she and what is her relationship to Rosie? Join Jen as she finds a way back to her girls, and a way to save the day! 

This New York Times Bestseller and Eisner Award-Nominated series is written by Noelle Stevenson (Nimona, ADVENTURE TIME™), and Lumberjanes co-creator Shannon Watters, and illustrated by Brooke Allen (A Home For Mr. Easter).

My Thoughts:

Another amazing Lumberjanes volume. I seriously need to read the rest of this series, I am loving it a lot. In this one we get to see Jen take a little bit more of the spotlight. She is usually way in the background and I loved being able to see here get more attention. Plus it was fun seeing the girls try to rescue her. It was a fun role reversal.

But the thing I liked most about this volume is the fact that you learn a lot about the camp. You learn more about Rosie and her history, plus Bear Woman, and the camp when it was originally founded. I really loved that and I am such a sucker for things that show historical things and how they impact the present day, even comics.

Yeah, I definitely need to read the rest of this series. I know there are like six more volumes so I better get on that. This series is really just amazing and it's a totally great escapist kind of comic. You can read it in a day and fall for the Lumberjanes.

Runaways, Vol 1: Find Your Way Home by Rainbow Rowell and Kris Anka
(Amazon / Goodreads / Comixology)

Synopsis: GET READY TO RUN!

The "IT" book of the early 2000s with the original cast is back--Nico! Karolina! Molly! Chase! Old Lace! And, could it be...GERT?!

 The heart of the Runaways died years ago, but you won't believe how she returns! Superstar author Rainbow Rowell (Eleanor & Park, Carry On) makes her Marvel debut with fan-favorite artist Kris Anka (ALL-NEW X-MEN, CAPTAIN MARVEL) in the series that will shock you and break your heart! Did Chase and Gert's love survive their time apart? Have Karolina and Nico's feelings made their friendship impossible? What emotional landmines lie in wait to DESTROY the Runaways?!

 COLLECTING: RUNAWAYS 1-6

My Thoughts:

So I love Rainbow Rowell. I have read and loved all her books. When I heard she was writing a comic I was super pumped. And plus this was the kick in the pants that I needed to finally read the original Runaways.

And while I am not a fan from back in the day, I definitely fell in love with the characters during Brian K. Vaughn's run so I was a bit nervous for Rainbow's take on them. But I honestly loved them. They feel like a more modern version of the original characters. They are a little bit older, a little bit more, jaded, but still maintain the spirit of the characters. That's kind of one of the things I didn't like about the Runaways TV show, it changes the characters personalities too much. But not this.

Plus it has a really great plot. The bulk of it is all about getting the gang back together but there is a lot of surprises and a good amount of action. It's not quite at the same level of world-saving adventure that the Vaughn run was but I say give it time. I'm sure Rainbow has some surprises in store for us.

Rat Queens, Volume 4: High Fantasies by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Owen Gieni
 (Amazon / Goodreads / Comixology)

Synopsis:The Queens are back!

Palisade is still a rat-infested hell hole, and Violet, Hannah, Dee, Betty, and the brand-new Queen, Braga are the only hope of saving it! It’s been a long time since they’ve done a good slaughter, so join them as they get back to the basics of killing monsters and drinking away the profits! This is a fresh, hilarious new take on the RAT QUEENS with new artist OWEN GIENI!

Collects RAT QUEENS, VOL. 2 #1-5

My Thoughts:

I love the Rat Queens series. It's so fun and amazing with kickass characters and a great sword and sorcery vibe. But like all comics I am dragging my feet in reading it.

This one is just as amazing as the first few volumes. You really connect with the characters in the course of the three previous books. You learn their backstories, meet their families, and just fall in love with them and their friendship. Here we continue to learn more about them and their past but it's a little more subtle which I liked. It's more about the queens as they are now. Speaking of the queens, we added Braga officially to the team here and I loved that!

Plus the plot here is really fantastic. It definitely has that classic fantasy adventure story thing going for it. They're on a quest and it's got fight scenes and hidden temples and narrow escapes, you know classic kind of things. I love the way that they engage the reader in the adventure in this series and this book was no exception.

And those are all the comics I have read in the past few months. Have you read any of these comics? What did you think? Do you have any comics or graphic novels that you would recommend to me? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Comics I've Read Recently: Summer 2017

Every couple months I go through a phase where I read a ton of comics, and in the past few months I have done just that. But it seems completely fitting that I do this post now because it is my superhero themed month here on the blog. That on top of the fact that I have actually read more comics these past few months than even my normal busy months. So obviously, lots of comics coming.

Runaways, Vol. 1: Pride and Jo and Vol. 2: Teenage Wasteland by Brian K. Vaughn and Adrian Alphona 
(Amazon / Goodreads / Comixology)

Synopsis: Meet Alex, Karolina, Gert, Chase, Molly and Nico - a group of teens whose lives are about to take an unexpected turn... Runaways vol. 1 #1-6

Still on the run from their super-villain parents, this motley crew of super-powered kids finds a kindred spirit in a daring young stranger and welcomes him into their fold. But will this dashing young man help the teenagers defeat their villainous parents...or tear them apart? One troubled member finds out, as she leaves the group's hideout with their new recruit, who reveals his startling secret, putting the entire team in jeopardy Plus: Who do you send to catch a group of missing, runaway teenage super heroes? Marvel's original teen runaway crimefighters, Cloak and Dagger, making their first major appearance in years.

 Runaways vol. 1 #7-12

My Thoughts:

I have been wanting to read Runaways for awhile now. I had heard really good things about it and it seems like the kind of comic that I would be really interested in, unique cast of teenage characters, mystery, and a little bit of a sci-fi flair. But then I heard that Rainbow Rowell was writing a new version of the comic. And that sealed the deal. I knew I needed to read this so I could read Rainbow's version.

And just as I suspected, I really enjoyed it. There is a handful of characters here and they are all really interesting. I think my favorite is probably Molly. She is the youngest and the others keep trying to protect her but she is the most physically strong and I know there will come a point when they stop under estimating her. I also really love Gert and Old Lace. I mean Gert is totally snarky and she has a telepathic connection with a dinosaur. Goals, amiright? But honestly they are all really complex. I'm excited to see more from them.

But this comic also has a really great plot to it. If this were a written book then I definitely would say that it has a plot that is the perfect combination of action and mystery. There is tons of thrilling action scenes that you expect in a comic but there's also an overarching plot that is slowly unfolding. In two volumes there is still so much that has not been explained yet and I can't wait to find out.

Only the whole, this is a good series and I think the perfect comic for people who may not necessarily big fans of comics. It's super accessible if you are new to comics and for people who do love them there is enough to enjoy.

Mockingbird, Vol. 1: I Can Explain by Chelsea Caine and Kate Niemczyk

 (Amazon / Goodreads / Comixology)

Synopsis: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Bobbi Morse, the former Avenger known as Mockingbird, goes solo in her own incredible adventures! With a scientific mind and a lethal mastery of martial arts, she's one of the most versatile, in-demand assets at Maria Hill's disposal - that makes her ideal for investigating strange goings-on in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s own medical and recovery network. And when Lance Hunter's undercover gig at the London Hellfire Club goes south, Mockingbird sets off, battle staves at the ready, to save him - and the Queen of England! From helping out a teen driven bonkers by her own new powers, to doing a little dog-sitting, Bobbi shows that she's a woman of many talents as bestselling author Chelsea Cain and artist Kate Niemczyk make Mockingbird sing!

COLLECTING: MOCKINGBIRD: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50TH ANNIVERSARY 1, MOCKINGBIRD 1-5

My Thoughts:

So here is another comic that I have been wanting to read for awhile now. I heard about this awhile ago when all that drama about the cover with Bobbi wearing a shirt that said "Ask Me About My Feminist Agenda." Which honestly is so on brand for Bobbi. But I never got around to reading it. But then Marvel got added to Comixology Unlimited and this was one of the first ones I read.

And I really loved it. For one thing, Mockingbird has always been such a kickass female heroine. I loved her on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.and I was so excited to see a Mockingbird solo comic. And I was not disappointed. It was Bobbi Morse at her finest. She was brash and kickass but she was also really really fun and funny. If you like the character you will enjoy her solo comic.

But I do think the series as a whole lacked some cohesion. In each issue she went on a different adventure, often with other Marvel characters, which was fun and enjoyable but if you look at it all together there wasn't much of a point. There was supposed to be an over-arching storyline and it did get resolved in the end but it didn't feel like there was a point to those side adventures.

If you are a Wonder Woman fan maybe check this one out, but if you are reading the character for the first time, do not start here. I would also maybe suggest waiting until you have volume 2 and reading them together. I have that one now so we shall see how I feel.

Wonder Woman, Vol 2: Year One by Greg Rucka and Liam Sharpe
(Amazon / Goodreads / Comixology)

Synopsis:A part of DC Universe: Rebirth!

New York Times best-selling writer Greg Rucka continues his return to Wonder Woman! The team of Rucka and artist Nicola Scott weave the definitive and shocking tale of Diana's first year as Earth's protector.

Paradise has been breached, Ares stirs, and the Amazons must answer with a champion of their own...one who is willing to sacrifice her home amongst her sisters to save a world she has never seen. Wonder Woman's journey begins in this epic origin story!

Collecting: Wonder Woman 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14

My Thoughts:

I am actually really enjoying the DC Rebirth version of Wonder Woman. I really like what they are doing with the characters. It's interesting because I feel like in some ways this is a version of the character that is meant for fans of Diana Prince already. There's not a lot of backstory, you're sort of just thrown into her story in the hopes that you know it already.

But it is also a really accessible version of the story because it doesn't get bogged down with a lot of history and mythology of the character.It's very reminiscent of the movie in that it mostly explores why she is in the world of men and why she can't really go back to Themiscyra. I liked the way that the story is going and I'm interested to see how it develops.

But honestly, I think that the best thing about this series is the art. It is one of the most gorgeous books I have seen in awhile. It's got bright colors, creative layout, and lots of movement. I like when comics take that to the next level and they do more than design rectangular panels and that's what this series did.

But I may be a little biased because I am a huge fan of Wonder Woman. I would probably love any of her comics because it is Wonder Woman. I will say though that I didn't realize until I was putting this together that this is not a chronological collection. It is the even numbers where volume 1 in this collection was the odd. If you are going to read these I would suggest picking up both and reading them in chronological order. This one felt like we were getting another volume 1 and I think that would be resolved if you read them that way.

Gotham Academy Volume 3: Yearbook and Second Semester Vol. 1: Welcome Back by Brendan Fletcher. Karl Kerschel, and Becky Cloonan
 (Amazon / Goodreads / Comixology)

Synopsis: "Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road. Life grabs you by the wrist..." and hands you this year's Gotham Academy yearbook! The students of Gotham's most prestigious prep school are back and they've just survived one heck of a year within the walls of Gotham Academy. Now it's time for everyone to look back and experience some of the lost adventures from the school year that was. Featuring stories and art by some of comics' best and brightest creators including Dustin Nguyen (BATMAN: L'IL GOTHAM), Derek Fridolfs (BATMAN: L'IL GOTHAM) and Rafael Albuquerque (AMERICAN VAMPIRE), as well as from regular series writer Brenden Fletcher (BATGIRL)! 

Collects GOTHAM ACADEMY #13-18.

GOTHAM ACADEMY is back with an all-new storyline for its second semester! When you’re Olive Silverlock, winter holidays can be a drag. Luckily, when a new student shows up at Gotham Academy to keep her company while the other students are away, Olive finds what could be a brand new friend…or a whole lot of trouble!

My Thoughts:

I'm a big fan of the Gotham Academy series. I feel like it's a comic that is not talked about enough because it's probably not that exciting for people who are big comic book fans. But it's perfect for me because it's great characters at a Gothic boarding school.

And in the course of four volumes now I have become super obsessed with these characters. Well most of them. I'm not really a big fan of Olive. She has definitely become less likable in the past few volumes. I mean that's kind of the point but still. If you ask me, the real hero here is Maps. I freaking love Maps. She might be one of my favorite comic book characters ever.

I also really like the art in this series as well. It's always been one of those where there are tons of bright colors and lots of different designs on the page. It's like the characters can't be contained by typical panels and they just break out and go wherever they want.

I will say, though, that I think I liked Second Semester better than Yearbook. Yearbook was another one of those books where there are all kinds of different side adventures that are not at all connected to the main plot of the volume. They were fun, but lacked cohesion, and clearly that is something that I need. But Second Semester was great. It was everything I love about Gotham Academy. There were secrets, mystery, big surprises, and lots of drama. I can't wait for what is next in the series because oh boy that ending was great.

And those are all the comics I have read in the past few months. Have you read any of these comics? What did you think? Do you have any comics or graphic novels that you would recommend to me? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Comics I've Read Recently: Spring 2017

It seems like every couple months I go through a cycle where I read a ton of comics, and in the past few months I have done just that. I tend to go through entire periods where I read no comics and then suddenly I will read four in the span of a month. I don't know why, maybe I have to be in the mood or maybe I just read other things. So I thought I would share some of my thoughts on them for you all.

Batgirl, Vol. 1: Beyond Burnside by Hope Larson and Raphael Albuquerque 
(Amazon / Goodreads / Comixology)

Synopsis: A part of DC Universe: Rebirth! 

 Barbara Gordon looks to add a new bullet point to her already impressive Batgirl resume: travel agent. Having just (barely!) survived the Battle of Burnside and verging on an Arkham-worthy breakdown, the star pulls a Kerouac and gets on the road to find herself.

Follow Babs on her worldwide quest in Batgirl, Volume 1: Beyond Burnside, with New York Times best-selling author Hope Larson and award-winning artist Raphael Albuquerque leading the way! 

Collecting: Batgirl 1-6

My Thoughts:

I have to say, I was a little nervous about reading this comic. Now not because I don't like Batgirl, because I do. Hell, my phone lock screen is Batgirl reading a Wonder Woman comic. No, I was nervous because I do love Batgirl. And I really loved The New 52 Batgirl. I didn't want a new iteration of the character, I wanted the Babs I had just grown to love. But this was a great extension of that story.

I think they did do a good job of connecting the classic character with that of her modern incarnation. It wasn't a total departure or retcon which was but if I am being entirely honest I didn't enjoy it as much. Story wise it was interesting enough with a good plot that took over most of the book and interesting smaller storylines for each issue. And the art was fantastic and colorful which I really enjoyed.

What I think I didn't like as much was the character. I do appreciate that they didn't completely throw out the previous run which, let's be real, happens a lot with comics but I still didn't like it as much. Barbara didn't feel as much like the fun and modern twenty-something like she did in the New 52 run. She was still kickass and snarky but I was still missing something.

Only the whole, this was a good comic that I think fans of the character will enjoy but it get very much like a bridge book. I'm curious for what is next for the DC Rebirth version of the character and I'm glad to hear she's back in Burnside. If you like Batgirl or you are a fan of any of DC's superheroines, check this out, but if you are new to the character, start with The New 52.

Wonder Woman, Vol. 1: The Lies by Greg Rucka and Liam Sharpe

 (Amazon / Goodreads / Comixology)

Synopsis: A part of DC Universe: Rebirth! 

New York Times best-selling writer Greg Rucka returns to Wonder Woman! After suffering an unimaginable loss, Diana must rebuild her mission as Earth's ultimate protector and champion. However, in the midst of her grief, her Lasso of Truth stopped working! Start down the rabbit hole as dark secrets from Wonder Woman's past unravel her present!

 From the ashes of DC Universe: Rebirth, critically acclaimed writer Greg Rucka along with illustrator Liam Sharpunveil a tale that will forever alter the DC icon in Wonder Woman, Volume 1: The Lies!

Collecting: Wonder Woman 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, Rebirth

My Thoughts:

Okay so remember how I said I loved The New 52 version of Batgirl? Well I never read The New 52 Wonder Woman. At least not as extensively as I read Batgirl. I read a few volumes but I wasn't as connected with that version of the character. So that being said I was interested to see the direction they would take the character in with the movie coming up.

And while I enjoyed it a great deal, I wasn't totally blown away. This is a really good example of what I think that DC Comics is trying to do with Rebirth, the characters have been retconed and had their stories changed so many times that it's hard to know what is canon. And honestly, Wonder Woman is just as confused as we are. And while I appreciate that levity, it doesn't make for a great story.

And yes, there were some good elements and some classic Wonder Woman playing peacemaker and kicking ass when necessary, but on it's own it wasn't a great comics volume. I think when the series continues and we are able to move past this volume it will be much better.

If you are a Wonder Woman fan maybe check this one out, but if you are reading the character for the first time, do not start here. I would also maybe suggest waiting until you have volume 2 and reading them together. I have that one now so we shall see how I feel.

Rat Queens, Vol 3: Demons by Kurtis J. Weibe and Tess Fowler
(Amazon / Goodreads / Comixology)

Synopsis: Having survived the end of the world, the Queens follow Hannah back to where it all began: Mage University. A long perilous journey awaits the Rat Queens as they attempt to find out what happened to Hannah’s father while battling their own demons.

 Collects RAT QUEENS #11-15, RAT QUEENS SPECIAL: BRAGA #1, plus extras!

My Thoughts:

Oh I totally love this comic. Rat Queens is absolutely one of my favorites and one of the main reasons that I got into comics a few years ago. I've been dragging my feet in reading the next volume but when I saw it was on sale on Comixology I picked it up and read it almost right away.

And while I don't think this is my favorite in the series, it was a really amazing next installment. This volume is absolutely, without a doubt, about Hannah. Hannah has to come to terms with her past and face literal and figurative demons in this book. I think maybe the reason I didn't love it as much is because I didn't love Hannah's development. Yes, I am all about her becoming who she is deep down but it lost some of it's heart. I don't want to give too much away but I didn't like the way it ended.

But I seriously love these characters. After three volumes I have become so attached to them and their stories. Violet is probably my favorite and she wasn't a very big part of this one so that could have added to my thoughts of it. I also really love the fantasy or sword and sorcery vibe to it. It's a comic I think fantasy fans will appreciate even if you aren't a fan of comics.

Ms. Marvel Volume 4, Last Days by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona
 (Amazon / Goodreads / Comixology)

Synopsis:From the moment Kamala put on her costume, she's been challenged. But nothing has prepared her for this: the last days of the Marvel Universe. Lucky she's got the help of Carol "Captain Marvel" Danvers! Between teaming up with her personal hero to rescue her brother and trying to keep her city from falling into an all-out frenzy, Kamala has barely had time to come to terms with the fact that the world is literally collapsing around her. But the truth will catch up to her, and soon. When the world is about to end, do you still keep fighting? Kamala knows the answer. Let's do this, Jersey City.

Collecting: Ms. Marvel (2014) #16-19, written by G. Willow Wilson and illustrated by Adrian Alphona, plus material from Amazing Spider-Man (2014) #7-8

My Thoughts:

Ms. Marvel is another one of those comics that got me excited about comics a few years ago. Actually, she might have been the first one I read. And similar to Rat Queens, I have been dragging my feet in finishing the series because I don't want it to end. But again I saw that it was on sale on Comixology and I couldn't pass it up.

And this next installment was just as good as the previous ones. Kamala Khan is a fangirl and a superhero rolled into one and as a nerdy female comics fan I can't help but relate. I feel like Kamala is all of us and seeing her popularity rise in and out of the comic is hugely satisfying. But she also still maintains the heart of the character. She's far from perfect and I liked seeing her succeed and mess up at the same time.

The best part of this comic however is the art. In other comics and graphic novels I find myself thinking that they are kind of boring or simple designs and I think it's because I was spoiled by the likes of Ms. Marvel. Seriously, the art is so intricate and if you look closely you will notice some really fun and interesting things,

My one criticism, and this is the case I think for a few other Marvel comics that came out around the same time (see Squirrel Girl just below), but it was really short. I mean it had it's own storyline but it felt like it was just a means to an end, that end being Civil War and Ms, Marvel becoming an Avenger. Which I'm cool with but I just want more Kamala.

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 2: Squirrel You Know It's True by Ryan North and Erica Henderson
(Amazon /Goodreads / Comixology)

Synopsis: The breakout character of 2015 continues her one-woman crusade against injustice and jerks! These TAILS of the Squirrel Girl will show you the Marvel Universe's most powerful super hero from a bunch of brand-new perspectives, several of them Quite Astonishing.

Collecting: The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl 5-8, material from GLX-Mas Special, The Thing 8, Age of Heroes 3

My Thoughts:
I read the first volume of Squirrel Girl in my last comics binge and I loved it so much that I wanted to read more. So Comixology again was having a sale and I got the next two volumes for just under $10, which was very exciting because I needed some Squirrel Girl in my life.

And yes, like Ms. Marvel, this was a very short volume of the character. I mean it was even shorter because it only had a few actual volumes of this version of the character and then it had a few other versions at the end. It was just not enough for me.

That's because I really like Squirrel Girl. She doesn't take herself too seriously and she is the kind of superhero who really honestly loves what she does in fighting crime and helping people. It's great to see such an upbeat and inspiring hero. I also love that she tries to solve problems without fighting, and often succeeds, but isn't afraid to use her fists. Like I said, inspiring.

Things have been really stressful lately and it was really nice to take a break and have a lighthearted and fun comic and character like Squirrel Girl. I really enjoyed this volume and I can't wait to read the next one.

And those are all the comics I have read in the past few months. Have you read any of these comics? What did you think? Do you have any comics or graphic novels that you would recommend to me? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Comics I've Read Recently: Fall 2016

That's right friends, I have gone through another phase with comics. I tend to go through entire periods where I read no comics and then suddenly I will read four in the span of a month. I don't know why, maybe I have to be in the mood or maybe I just read other things. Well anyway, my reading lately has been very slow but I have been reading a ton of comics. Well, not a ton but a fair amount. So I thought I would share some of my thoughts on them for you all.

Bombshells, Vol. 1: Enlisted by Marguerite Bennett and Marguerite Sauvage  
(Amazon / Goodreads)
Synopsis: The incredibly popular DC Collectibles line is brought to life in these stories that reimagine the course of history!

As Word War II rages across Europe, the Allied forces issue a call to arms for the greatest heroines the world has ever known: THE BOMBSHELLS!

KATE KANE, the all-American Batwoman; DIANA OF THEMYSCIRA, warrior Princess of the Amazons; KARA STARIKOV and KORTNI DUGINOVNA, defenders of Mother Russia; and MERA, royal daughter of the legendary Atlantis! With aid from their allies at home and abroad, these mighty women will turn the tide of war and defend those inviolable rights of Truth, Justice and Freedom.

From writer Marguerite Bennett (BATGIRL, EARTH 2: WORLD’S END) and featuring artists including Marguerite Sauvage (HINTERKIND), Laura Braga (Witchblade), Bilquis Evely (Doc Savage), Mirka Andolfo (Chaos) and Ming Doyle (CONSTANTINE: THE HELLBLAZER) comes DC COMICS: BOMBSHELLS VOL. 1: ENLISTED. Collects DC COMICS: BOMBSHELLS #1-6.

My Thoughts:

I was super excited about this comic. I am all about female driven comics and a huge fan of DC's roster of females so I naturally had to read this. And it was really good, I wasn't blown away but I really enjoyed it.

The art, in general, was really good with pinup style costumes for all the women and lots of bright colors. It's set during World War II which felt like a natural fit and a bit of a throwback to be honest, which I appreciated. But all of that worked together well with the style of the comics.

The story too was really interesting although frankly I think it was a little too big. It honestly felt like they were trying to cram every possible female on the DC roster into this comic and there were probably too many. I liked some stories more than others but in general the constant switching of perspectives kind of led to a lack of a cohesive story throughout the entire volume. Fewer characters and a tightening up of the plot would have taken this to the next level.

 But on the whole I really enjoyed Bombshells and I'm excited to now pick up Vol. 2. If you like female driven comics and are a fan of any of DC's superheroines, check this out.

Princeless, Vol. 1: Save Yourself by Jeremy Whitley and Mia Goodwin
Vol. 2: Calamity 

(Amazon / Goodreads)

Synopsis: Adrienne Ashe never wanted to be a princess. She hates fancy dinners, is uncomfortable in lavish dresses, and has never wanted to wait on someone else to save her.

However, on the night of her 16th birthday her parents, the King and Queen, locked her away in a tower guarded by a dragon to await the rescue of some handsome prince. Now Adrienne has decided to take matters into her own hands!

Come join the Eisner-nominated team of Jeremy Whitley and M. Goodwin for a tale of swashbuckling in the face of sexism. Princeless is the action adventure for the girl who's tired of waiting to be rescued and ready to save herself

My Thoughts:

I think I saw this while browsing through Comixology, maybe there was a sale, maybe I was just checking stuff out that were unlimited, maybe I had heard someone talking about it in some way so I went to look for it. I don't know. I found it and I read it and I loved it.

This was a really fantastic comic. I would say it's more on the younger end with a teenage protagonist, bright colors, and more of a classic design style. But it's a great feminist comic with a princess saving herself (who would have thought!) and there is a lot of humor and inside jokes that I think people of all ages will enjoy.

If you like female-centric comics or are looking for something to get a young girl who likes strong female characters and comics, check this out. I'm interested to see where the story goes, I think I heard that there is a pirate princess in the next volume and YES, PLEASE!

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 1: Squirrel Power by Ryan North and Erica Henderson
(Amazon /Goodreads)

Synopsis: Collects The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1-4, Marvel Super-Heroes (1992) #8.

 Doctor Doom, Deadpool, even Thanos: There’s one hero who’s beaten them all — and now she’s starring in her own series! That’s right, it’s SQUIRREL GIRL! The nuttiest and most upbeat super hero in the world is starting college! And as if meeting her new roommate and getting to class on time isn’t hard enough, now she has to deal with Kraven the Hunter, too? At least her squirrel friend Tippy-Toe is on hand to help out. But what can one girl, and one squirrel, do when a hungry Galactus heads toward Earth? You’d be surprised! With time running out and Iron Man lending a helping hand (sort of), who will win in the battle between the Power Cosmic and the Power Chestnut? Plus: Squirrel Girl’s classic debut!

My Thoughts:
I have been wanting to read this series for awhile now. I had heard really good things and not only do I love female driven comics, obviously, and this one seemed so unique and interesting. So during Comixology's Black Friday deals I picked up a copy and I'm so glad that I took the time to read it because it was really good.

The thing I loved most about Squirrel Girl is that she doesn't take herself too seriously. I love me some comics but I typically prefer them on the more lighthearted and funny side of things. Like I will take Deadpool and his wisecracking over Batman and his dark detective work any day. And Squirrel Girl is the epitome of lighthearted and fun. I mean come on, she's a teenage girl who is part squirrel. But that's why she is so charming. If this comic doesn't make you smile, look at your sense of humor.

But the other thing that I loved about this comic is that Squirrel Girl, while being a typically and excitable teenage girl, kicks a ton of ass. It's the kind of comic that shows that anyone can save the day, even if their main power is being able to talk to squirrels. But everyone is always underestimating her and her companions which is all the more satisfying when she saves the planet, and she does just that.

And those are all the comics I have read in the past few months. Have you read any of these comics? What did you think? Do you have any comics or graphic novels that you would recommend to me? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Mini Reviews: Comics I've Read Recently- Winter 2016

Well, I see to be a little behind in my monthly reading and after a busy weekend, I haven't been able to catch up. So I don't have a review ready for today. But what I have been reading a lot recently is comics and graphic novels. I'm still pretty new to comics and some of the bigger titles intimidates me . However I thought I would share a few I have read recently and enjoyed.

Saga by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples 
Vol. 1
(Amazon / Goodreads)
Synopsis: When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe.

From bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan, Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults.

Collects Saga issues #1-6

My Thoughts:
I am woefully behind on this series desppite the fact that it has been on my list even before I started reading comics. It's up to Volume 9 now and I've only read the first volume. I need to catch up and read the rest of them because this series is so good. The art's really good and it's very readable. Like a lot of comics it has a cinematic feel. It's reads a lot like an action movie with explosions, shoot out, and lots of gore.

But to be entirely honest, this is a very weird comic. The plot is pretty high concept Science Fiction. I mean there are characters who have TV's for their heads and a  tentacled multiple-eyed bounty hunter. But when I got used to it, I really enjoyed that aspect of it. It's unique and engaging and I would definitely recommend it, especially if you are not a huge fan of comics but you like science fiction. But this one is more on the adult side of things. I wouldn't say that if you're not into sex and violence you should avoid this but be warned that there's a lot of that here.

Gotham Academy by Becky Cloonan, Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschel
Vol. 2: Calamity 

(Amazon / Goodreads)

Synopsis: Gotham Academy is haunted!

At the beginning of the term, Olive Silverlock returned to Gotham Academy a shadow of her former self. But thanks to her new friendships and their Detective Club sleuthing, Olive was finally starting to feel whole again.

Then, abruptly, Olive’s mother died—or, she seemed to. In the weeks after the funeral, Olive begins seeing her mother around the school. An Arkham Asylum patient with a deadly dark side, Sybil Silverlock was a powerful and complicated woman. Could her spirit be reaching out from beyond the grave? And if so, is it motherly Sybil who haunts Olive—or her deadly alter ego Calamity?

Plus, the kids hunt a werewolf on campus and Maps teams up with the Academy’s newest transfer, Damian Wayne!

Writers Becky Cloonan and Brenden Fletcher team with artists Karl Kerschl and Mingjue Helen Chen for GOTHAM ACADEMY VOL. 2: CALAMITY. Collects GOTHAM ACADEMY #7-12 and DC SNEAK PEEK: GOTHAM ACADEMY #1.

*** I received an advance copy of this comic from the publisher via Netgalley. This fact has not changed my opinion. ***

My Thoughts:

The last time I talked about comics here I talked about Gotham Academy. I read volume 1 last and really liked it so I was so excited to continue with the series. I'm definitely a fan of these characters and my favorite, Maps, got to take a more central role here which was great. But that being said, I did want more with the characters. The first volume I think was more character heavy and while we did get to dive into Olive's psyche a little and spend some time with Maps, I still wanted more. And the art is absolutely gorgeous and is so intricately drawn. It has a real fluid movement to it and that unique flow makes it really fun to read and look at.

 It has the same dark tone as Batman and while characters from his series make a cameo (like Batgirl!), it's really its own unique story. It feels like some of the YA mysteries that I enjoy with tons of suspense and intrigue. I love that it ties in really well with the DC Universe but you don't need to know a lot to follow the story. This is definitely a comic I would recommend to someone who is new to comics but likes Batman.

We Are Robin by Lee Bermejo, Jorge Corona, and Khary Randolph
Vol. 1: The Vigilante Business
(Amazon /Goodreads)

Synopsis: A modern spin on the original teen superhero!

In a Gotham City ravaged by the Joker, Batman alone is not enough to keep the peace—and just one Robin isn’t nearly enough to back him up. Now, teenagers who want to make a difference are coming together in droves and adopting the “R.” They’re not a gang. They’re not sidekicks.

They are Robin.

When Duke Thomas is recruited by the mysterious Nest to join teens from all different backgrounds and walks of life in the Robins, he hopes that they can help him find his missing parents. Instead, they find something much more nefarious—an underground conspiracy that threatens to bring down Gotham.

Now it’s up to these untrained teen vigilantes to save the city from a mysterious evil force. But being Robin is dangerous. Robins die. Will these new heroes face the same fate?

Collects WE ARE ROBIN #1-6 and DC SNEAK PEEK: WE ARE ROBIN #1.

*** I received an advance copy of this comic from the publisher via Netgalley. This fact has not changed my opinion. ***

My Thoughts:
I actually picked up We Are Robin because of something that happened in Gotham Academy, I though it might tie in. It doesn't. But I am extremely glad that I did pick this up. It's similar to Gotham Academy in that it ties in to the larger DC Universe but it can be read without much knowledge of it's minutia.

And while it pulled from Batman, it also felt like a really unique and interesting story. And the synopsis is totally accurate. It's a really modern story. Batman usually has a very timeless almost futuristic feel but here it felt very of the time in both the issues it was dealing with and the characters. And I really liked the characters. We only got the barest introduction to most of them but they all have really interesting backstories that I'm excited to explore as the series develops. It was definitely a fun and unique new comic that I would recommend to DC fans.

Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughn, Cliff Chiang, and Matthew Wilson
Volume 1
(Amazon / Goodreads)

Synopsis: From Brian K. Vaughan, #1 New York Times bestselling writer of SAGA, and Cliff Chiang, legendary artist of WONDER WOMAN, comes the first volume of an all-new ongoing adventure.

In the early hours after Halloween of 1988, four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls uncover the most important story of all time. Suburban drama and otherworldly mysteries collide in this smash-hit series about nostalgia, first jobs, and the last days of childhood.

Collecting Issues #1-5

*** I received an advance copy of this comic from the publisher via Netgalley. This fact has not changed my opinion. ***

My Thoughts:
And finally, my favorite in the bunch. For one thing it's got amazing art. It has that 80's feel with the bright technicolor which is cool but it's also one of those comics where there is a lot to look at in each panel but it's not overwhelming. It also had really great characters that are fantastic, strong female characters subverting gender norms while they do their thing.

But my favorite part was the plot. Paper Girls is exactly what you expect it to be and nothing like what you expect it to be at the same time. It's very Ready Player One in that it is full of 80's nostalgia and is still very much a science fiction story that you would expect from Brian K. Vaughn. On the whole the plot development is just brilliant. It starts off as a very different story as the girls are delivering papers and then shit hits the fan and it really builds to a conclusion and cliffhanger that had me desperately needing the next book, something comics rarely do to me.

I would without a doubt recommend Paper Girls to everyone. Whether you're a big fan of comics or you just want to try something different. It's a great story and beautifully drawn and I think everyone will get something out of it.

And those are all the comics I have read in the past few months. Have you read any of these comics? What did you think? Do you have any comics or graphic novels that you would recommend to me? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!