Review: Y2K-O! by Carly Usdin

Title: Y2K-O!

Author: Carly Usdin

Artist(s): Nina Vakueva

Series/Standalone: Heavy Vinyl (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, LGBT

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"An all-new original graphic novel follow up to the award-nominated Heavy Vinyl: Riot on The Radio that reunites everyone's favorite girl vigilantes to save the day by stopping Big Music from killing digital music in 1999!

SAVE THE INTERNET, SAVE THE WORLD (OF MUSIC)!

It's 1999 and Chris is living her dream: working at Vinyl Destination by day and fighting for (musical) justice by night (okay, maybe during the day too) in the world's coolest teen girl vigilante fight club. But when the girls of Vinyl Destination enter Battle of The Bands- to investigate and, of course, win - they learn that the shadowy corporate masters of the music industry plan to destroy the fledging world of digital music and blame it on Y2K. Now it's time for Christ and the gang to dial up 56k (or more, pretty please) of justice so they can save the day once again!"

My Rating: 4.5/5

I wish that this series had more volumes, the cliffhanger that this one ends on was not what I needed from the series. Also watching as the characters traverse long-distance relationships, new relationships and crushes. I loved the way this tackled so many things while staying fun and keeping the music involved. I would read anything else this author put out! Anything!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Avant-Guards Vol. 1

Title: The Avant-Guards Vol. 1

Author: Carly Usdin

Artist(s): Noah Hayes

Series/Standalone: The Avant-Guards Vol. 1

Genre: Young Adult, LGBT, Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"When Charlie transfers to the Georgia O'Keeffe College of Arts and Subtle Dramatics, she struggles to find her feet, but winds up exactly where she belongs... in the school's (terrible) basketball team.

As a transfer student to the Georgia O'Keeffe College for Arts and Subtle Dramatics, former sports star Charlie is struggling to find her classes, her dorm and her place amongst a student body full of artists who seem to know exactly where they're going.  When the school's barely-a-basketball team unexpectedly attempts to recruit her, Charlie's adamant that she's left that life behind... until she's won over by the charming team captain, Liv, and the ragtag crew she's managed to assemble. And while Charlie may have left cut-throat competition in the dust, sinking these hoops may be exactly what she needs to see the person she truly wants to be."

My Rating: 5/5

This was exactly the type of comic I needed. Light, fun, but also so darn cute. The potential romance in this is EVERYTHING! I also loved the art style, it really reminded me of a mix of Lumberjanes (THE FIRST VOLUMES) and Giant Days. If either of those holds your interest I would strongly recommend this first volume of this new series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: By Night, Vol. 2

Title: By Night, Volume 2

Author: John Allison

Artist(s): Christine Larsen, Sarah Stern

Series/Standalone: By Night Series (Vol. 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM!Box

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Two estranged childhood best friends unexpectedly travel through a portal into another, spookier world where they attempt to create the greatest documentary of all time

Jane Langstaff and Heather Meadows have been to the other side... and now it's just a question of how to bring proof back home with them. And then there's the question of how the portal got there in the first place... and whether or not the town of Spectrum, South Dakota is safe, or monsters are about to start pouring through to our world. Not to mention, with Gardt facing the consequences for Jane and Heather's invasion, have the girls actually been the monsters all along?"

My Rating: 1.75/5

I have liked Giant Days for so long that I just wanted something a little bit similar. I was hoping that with their similar art style and the same-ish-aged main characters I would get the same feelings. But this series is completely different and that's fine, it's just not what I wanted. I think that the plot isn't enticing enough for me to keep going at this point, but I also have a few lingering questions and there is only one more volume. Dare I go for it?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Review: By Night Vol. 1

Title: By Night Vol.1 

Author: John Allison   

Artist(s): Christine Larsen & Sarah Stern

Series/Standalone: By Night series (Vol. 1)

Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"After discovering a mysterious device, Jane and Heather decide to try their hand at documentary filmmaking... in another dimension!

There's something range going on in Spectrum, South Dakota.

Home to high school best friends Jane Langstaff and heather Meadows, Spectrum is a boomtown that's long since stopped booming, with nothing to show for its former glory but the abandoned Charleswood Estate, its dwindling sprocket millions, and the story of the disappeared industrialist who founded the story of the disappeared industrialist who found the place... But deep within Charleswood, unbeknownst to anyone, there is a device called the Eidolon, which can open up a doorway to an otherworldly dimension. And Heather and Jane are about to go knocking."

My Rating: 3/5

This was a fun first volume, I've read the majority of Giant Days which was also written by John Allison and that's what drew me to this graphic novel. This one was fun and cute, but it didn't grab my attention in the same way. I'm interested in what the different settings can do for the story and will be reading the next one, just not as committed to this series as much as I have been to other graphic novel series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Show Must Go On by James Tynion IV

Title: The Show Must Go On

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist(s): Rian Sygh

Series/Standalone: The Backstagers (Vol. 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"All the world's a stage... but what happens behind the curtain is pure magic- literally!

Jory and the rest of the Backstagers have one goal this semester: to put the best show their town's ever seen. But best laid plans aren't easy to achieve when there's an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain! When one of the actors suddenly goes missing, the Backstagers must band together to save their comrade and maintain the natural balance of.... theater."

My Rating: 4/5

This next installment was such a great addition to the story, and the characters we read about in the first volume. I love the art style in these, and the atmosphere that has been created with the backstage world. I look forward to reading the last installment this upcoming week. If you're looking for a fun, short graphic novel series I would recommend!

Thanks for reading

Sidny

Review: Rebels Without Applause by James Tynion IV

Title: Rebels Without Applause

Author: Jame Tynion IV

Artist(s): Rian Sygh, Walter Baiamonte

Series/Standalone: The Backstagers (Vol. 1)

Genre: LGBT, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Young Adult

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"All the world's a stage... but what happens behind the curtain is pure magic literally!

When Jory transfers to an all-boys private high school, he's taken in by the only ones who don't treat him like a new kid, the lowly stage crew known as the Backstagers. Not only does he gain great, lifetime friends, Jory is also introduced to an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain. With the unpredictable twists and turns of the underground world, the Backstagers venture into the unknown, determined to put together the best play their high school has ever seen."

My Rating: 3.75/5

After completing this first volume I went to add more of the series on my Goodreads TBR. And do you know what I found? There are only THREE volumes of this cute, mystical story! THREE! How will I ever be satisfied with that? I loved the characters in this, and the world of backstage was absolutely amazing. I'm so curious to see what will happen with their antics in the next volume of the story. But again, how are there only three?!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Giant Days Vol 12

Title: Giant Days Vol. 12

Author: John Allison

Artist(s): Max Sarin

Series/Standalone: Giant Days (Volume 12)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Contemporary

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"It's never a quiet day at the University of Sheffield as best friends Esther, Susan and Daisy try do regular things like solving comic book shop capers, attending McGraw's brother's wedding and Daisy learning to drive OH MY GOD WE'RE ALL DOOMED. Meanwhile, Ed has to have a hard conversation with his girlfriend about her behavior when she drinks and what it means for their future... if they have one..."

My Rating 3.5/5

This is the first time I have rated one of the Giant Days series. I think it just wasn't exactly what I wanted from their last year. Yes, there were shenanigans, but they seemed a little much at some points. Also, the last volume had a completely different art style and I wasn't a fan. I hope that the final volume has the original art style. Looking forward to completing the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Giant Days Vol. 11

Title: Giant Days Vol. 11

Author: John Allison

Artist: Max Sarin

Series/Standalone: Giant Days Series (Vol. 11)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult

Pages: 160

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback Copy

"It's Daisy, Esther and Susan's third year at university, and with that comes new beaus, new jobs, and new adventures.

The third (and final!) year of university is finally here, and BFFs Daisy, Esther, and Susan are in for some surprising upsets in their first semester. Between Halloween run-ins with Daisy's dreaded (dreadful) ex, part-time gigs at a shady pop-up Christmas market, Esther's dating a tech-bro and Susan attempting to be... romantic, there's still plenty to learn and more than enough misadventure to squeeze in before it's time to don caps and gowns!"

My Rating: 4/5

This wasn't one of my favorite volumes in the series, it just hinged even more on chaos than usual and while I love that idea, it was a little over the top even for me. That being said, I continue to enjoy the series and our main characters. I can't wait to see where else their last year at Uni takes them, all the ups and downs. Looking forward to finishing the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Giant Days Vol. 10

Title: Giant Days Volume 10

Author: John Allison

Artists: Max Sarin and Julia Madrigal

Series/Standalone: Giant Days Series (Volume 10)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Daisy, Esther, and Susan's last year at university is getting a bumpy start, with everything strange after Ed's declaration of love followed by grievous injury, Daisy with nowhere to live, and McGraw and Susan at odds over their new flat!

The final year of university is about to start for best mates Daisy, Esther, and Susan, and everything is going completely off the rails. From finding somewhere to live at the last minute, to broken bones, to the looming terror of the adult world, this semester is one you won't want to miss...."

My Rating: 5/5

It's the beginning of the end of this series. And while it's breaking my heart I'm grateful that this series never lost its spunk. From day one this series has been about coming of age and being who you are to the best of your ability. It reminds me of my college years and all the feelings that came along with them. The characters are phenomenal and heartwarming. I'm excited to be continuing with the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Giant Days Vol. 8

Title: Giant Days Vol. 8
Author: John Allison
Artists: Max Sarin, Liz Fleming, Whitney Cogar, Jim Campbell
Volume: Volume 8 (Single Issues #29-32)
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Graphic Novel
Pages:112
Publisher: BOOM!Box
Year Published: 2018
Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"Best friends Susan, Daisy, and Esther's adventures at university continue in Giant Days vol. 8.

It's the end of the second year for the best mates Susan, Daisy, and Esther, and crack are appearing in the foundation of the unshakeable trio. Between (irritating) new loves, (secretive) old loves, (unlikely) new friendships and (terrible) old houses, they'll be lucky to make it to third year alive."

My Rating: 5/5

It's been a while since a read a book in this series or a graphic novel at all. And this was amazing. I love the characters and the setting. The way that the authors truly capture the young adult time in your life when you're in college. The changes in friendships, relationships and classes. Also, the change in your drive that happens when you're almost finished your post-secondary careers. I can't wait to read the next volume and if anyone has any hints as to when that comes out I would freaking love to know.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Lumberjanes: Stone Cold

Title: Stone Cold
Author: Shannon Watters
Series/Standalone: Lumberjanes (Volume 8)
Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel
Pages: 112
Publisher: BOOM! Box
Year Published: 2018
Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"Five best friends at summer camp take friendship to the max when they team up to defeat the strange forces lurking within the surrounding forest.

Excited to have Barney starting their first week at the camp, the Roanokes run over to the Zodiac cabin, only to find everyone turned to stone! Between the strange shadows and Diane being back, it looks like April, Jo, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are going to have their hands full trying to find a cure for their friends... as long as they don't look the wrong thing in the eye first."

My Rating: 2/5

This was a disappointment. I feel that something in this series has changed and I just don't like it anymore. I think that it's been dumbed down and it doesn't hold the same elements that I once loved. It makes me really upset to see something start out so well and then just drop to such a different level due to artistic clashes. I may pick back up the series in the future but it won't be anytime soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Lumberjanes: A Bird's-Eye View

Title: A Bird's-Eye View
Author: Shannon Watters, Kat Leyh, Brooke Allen, Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis
Illustrators/Colourists: Grace Ellis, Carey Pietsch, Ayme Sotuyo, Maarta Laiho 
Series: Lumberjanes Series (Volume 7)
Pages: 112
Publisher: BOOM! Box
Year Published: 2017
Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"All Lumberjanes are on deck when the High Council comes to camp for inspection!

The High Council is coming to camp and counselor Jen is determined to make everything perfect, even though a storm is brewing and kittens from the boys' camp are manifesting magical powers. It's every Lumberjane on deck as the girls do their best to prep for the grounds inspection... but there are some storms no one can prepare for."

My Rating: 2.75/5

This is such a stupidly specific rating. I just couldn't help but think about how this series completely changed the direction it was going and I'm not happy about it. I feel like now this series is so much younger than it was when I started reading it. That being said there was a cute moment at the end of this volume and I loved that moment but the rest was so blah to me. I'm going to read the next instalment but after that, I don't plan to continue unless I love Volume 8.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Giant Days Vol. 7

Title: Giant Days Vol. 7
Author: John Allison
Illustrator/Colorist: Liz Fleming
Series/Standalone: Giant Days Vol. 7
Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Contemporary
Pages: 112
Publisher: BOOM! Box
Year Published: 2018
Format: Physically Read (Library Copy)

" Esther, Susan and Daisy continue to face the rigors of young adulthood in this Eisner-nominated series.

Fast friends Susan and Daisy, and Esther continue their second year at Sheffield University, and these are formative times, indeed. Education and looking ahead to the future isn't all that college holds in-store for these ladies-- grocery store protests, family reunions, and even an MMORPG wedding are all on this semester's docket."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I'm still loving this series and can't wait to continue. I feel like this is a great series for people either entering post-secondary or anyone who's done it. It pretty much just follows the ups and downs of your late teens and early twenties (or if you're me sometimes your current life). If you like a comic series that has heartwarming characters. Overall loved this and the budding romances in this installment and can't wait to continue.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Giant Days Vol. 6

Title: Giant Days Vol. 6
Author: John Allison
Illustrator: Max Sarin, Whitney Cogar
Series/Standalone: Giant Days Series (Vol. 6)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Contemporary
Pages: 112
Publisher: BOOM! Box
Year Published: 2017
Format: Physical Copy (Library Copy)

"Second year begins and Daisy, Susan and Esther have taken their friendship commitment to the next level by moving into their 'beautiful home' off-campus. But the keys didn't come without new responsibilities. Unwanted suitor visits, a robbery, and Susan living only a few blocks apart from her ex-boyfriend, McGraw, has made the dorms feel like a haven. The girls are in for a dose of reality when they learn that there's more to being an adult than paying your own rent."

My Rating: 5/5

How dare these creators hit us right in the nostalgic feels? This book reminds me so much of my first year really living on my own and figuring out how to live. It also was a great exploration of different neighbourhoods and brought up interesting ideas of different upbringings. As per usual I love the characters and the setting. Just great!.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Review: Giant Days Vol. 5

Title: Giant Days Volume 5
Author: John Allison
Illustrator: Max Sarin, Whitney Cogar
Series/Standalone: Giant Days Vol. 5
Genre: Graphic Novels, YA, Contemporary
Pages: 112
Publisher: 2017
Year Published: BOOM! Box
Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"Going off to university is always a time of change and growth, but for Esther, Susan and Daisy, things are about to get a little weird.

Their freshman year is finally coming to a close, and Daisy, Susan and Esther say goodbye to Catterick Hall forever. Literally forever. It's being bulldozed and re-purposed as a luxury dorm next semester. But as one door closes, another opens and between end of semester hookups, music festivals, and moving into their first home together, the life experience are just getting started."

My Rating: 4/5

This one was really great and just everything that I wanted at the end of their first year. You get to see them go from naive high school students to jaded second years. Slightly more mature but still figuring it all out. And realizing that maybe not knowing is part of the whole experience. I love this series so much and can't wait to see what living on their own brings them. So many adventures to come.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Review: Giant Days Vol. 4

Title: Giant Days Vol. 4
Author: John Allison
Illustrator: Max Sarin
Series: Giant Days Series (Vol. 4)
Genre: Contemporary, Graphic Novel, Young Adult
Pages: 112
Publisher: BOOM!Box
Year Published: 2017
Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"It's springtime at Sheffield University- the flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and fast-pals Susan, Esther, and Daisy continue to survive their freshman year of college. Susan is barely dealing with her recent breakup with McGraw, Esther is considering dropping out of school, and Daisy is trying to keep everyone and everything from falling apart! Combined with house-hunting, indie film festivals, and online dating, can the girls make it to second year?"

My Rating: 3.75/5

This is lower than I have rated other books in the series and I'm not even sure why. Maybe it was just the plot points or some of the changes with characters, but it just didn't grab me the way the other Giant Days volumes did. That being said I'm so excited to read the next volume and see where our main characters go. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Lumberjanes: Sink of Swim

Title: Sink or Swim
Authors: Shannon Watters, Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis
Illustrators: Carey Pietsch
Series/Standalone: Lumberjanes Vol. 6
Genre: Graphic Novel, YA
Pages: 112
Publisher: BOOM!Box
Year Published: 2017
Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Knot on your life!
All is fair in love and badges! Or so April, Jo, Mal, Molly and Ripley thought until they met the mysterious counsellor, Seafarin' Karen. When the Lumberjanes decide it's time to learn more about the theatrical yet intriguing counsellor, things take a turn for the strange. Between a sudden storm hitting the camp, shapeshifters, and strange portals, this is one badge that the Lumberjanes must go above and beyond for."

My Rating: 4/5

So as I am a nervous human, I just decided to binge read this one tonight as well. I was a fan of the storyline far more in this one. It was less of a middle grade read and more just a general adventure story. I am still getting used to the art style, which is hard because I loved the style that they were drawn in, but this one is still interesting to me. I'm curious to see where the mystical woods aspect is going.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Review: Lumberjanes: Band Together

Title: Band Together
Authors: Grace Ellis, Brooke A. Allen
Illustrators: Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Carolyn Nowak
Series/Standalone: Lumberjanes Vol. 5
Genre: Graphic Novel, YA, 
Pages: 112
Publisher: BOOM!Box
Year Published: 2016
Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"What gives, two legs?!

It's a battle of the bands... with mermaids! April takes it upon herself to restore a friendship that has fallen apart, but will she be in over her head as her above water friendships take a hit? When friendships are challenged, can the Lumberjanes save the day? Don't miss out on this exciting collection!" 

My Rating: 2.5/5

Let's be honest. This volume just has something missing. I didn't get the same vibe that I get from the rest of the series, the art style changed and the messages seemed to change as well. All of which is disappointing as this has been one of my favourite series up until now. I'm nervous about where the plot and art are going and hopefully, the next instalment captures my interest otherwise we could have a problem on our hands.
Needless to say, this was just ok for me and I will read the next one, but I'm just disappointed by the content of this volume.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Review: Giant Days Vol. 3

Title: Giant Days Vol. 3
Author: John Allison
Illustrator/Colourist: Max Sarin, Whitney Cogar
Series/Standalone: Giant Days (Vol. 3 and Issues #9-12)
Genre: Graphic Novels, Young Adult
Pages: 112
Publisher: BOOM! Box
Year Published: 2016
Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Best friends Susan, Esther, and Daisy are rounding out their first semester at university. The girls, along with their male hallmates Ed and McGraw, find that college is more than academics and bad microwavable meals. Add some pub-hopping, hookups, breakups, and political scandal and this might just be the most eventful first semester ever."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This one made my heart wrench. I think the idea of first loves and first times is hard thing for authors and illustrators to capture sometime but somehow these people have completely captured it. Between that and the ideas of giving up whether that's on love, or class or a person it's just crazy to me. I can't wait to continue the series and see where it goes. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Review: Giant Days Volume 2

Title: Giant Days Vol. 2
Author: John Allison
Illustrator/Colourist: Lissa Treiman, Max Sarin, Whitney Cogar
Series/Standalone: Giant Days Series (#5-8, full Vol. 2)
Genre: Graphic Novel, YA, Contemporary
Pages: 128
Publisher: BOOM! Box
Year Published: 2016
Format: Physical (Library)

"Continuing their first semester at university, fast friends Susan, Esther, and Daisy want to find their footing in life. But in the face of hand-wringing boys, holiday balls, hometown rival, and the willful, unwanted intrusion of 'acadamia,' they may be lucky just to make it spring alive."

My Rating: 4.5/5

These are just such great pick up graphic novels. You don't have to follow a huge story, but it does capture your heart and make you happy. The characters are so endearing and the story line is relatable. I would recommend these more for someone who is having the college experience and feels like they are alone. I plan on diving right into the next volume as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny