Review: Cryptid Club by Sarah Andersen

Title: Cryptid Club

Author: Sarah Andersen

Series/Standalone:  Standalone

Genre: Comics, Coffee Table Book, Humor

Pages: 112

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Year Published: 2021

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Do you hate social gatherings? Dodge cameras? Enjoy staying up just a little too late at night? You might have more in common with your local cryptid than you think! Enter the world of Cryptid Club, a look inside the adventures of elusive creatures ranging from Mothman to the Loch Ness Monster. This humorous new series celebrates the unique qualities that make cryptids so desperately sought after by mankind (to no avail). After all, it's what makes us different that also makes us beautiful."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This one was fun but I wanted a bit more by the end. I think that while it was really cute there were some that were just a little too on the nose for me. Still a cute lil read.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen

Title: Big Mushy Happy Lump

Author: Sarah Andersen

Series/Standalone: Sarah Scribbles (Book #2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Comics, Coffee table book

Pages: 128

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Year Published:2017

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Sarah Andersen's second comic collection picks up right where the first left off- huddled under a pile of blankets avoiding the responsibilities of the real world. These new comics (and illustrated personal essays!) follow the ups and downs of the unrelenting self-esteem roller coaster that is young adult life: budgeting woes, cramps, the nuances of sweater theft and the joy of staying home all day with a box of pizza. All aboard."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I really liked this collection of comics, I have been following this author's Instagram for some time and then came across this collection at my local library. It was the perfect way to wind down and have a few giggles after a long day. Would recommend. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: You Are Home by Catana Chetwynd

Title: You Are Home

Author: Catana Chetwynd

Artist(s): Catana Chetwynd

Series/Standalone: Catana Comics (Book #4)

Genre: Comics, Coffee Table Book

Pages: 128

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Year Published: 2022

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Author of Little Moments of Love, Snug and In Love & Pajamas, Catana Chetwynd imparts her relationship wisdom once again with her latest collection of comics. This together, the reality of facing time apart, or even officially committing to one another-- all while shining a light on the joy those moments can offer. Catana's unmistakable illustration and writing styles make even the most mundane tasks, like mowing the lawn or deciding whose turn it is to cook dinner, seem charming. Her relatable content is elevated in a fresh and humorous way that only Catana's comics can do."

My Rating: 5/5

These little comic collections give my partner and me so much joy. Catana is able to describe so many relatable little situations you have in a long-term relationship and it helps both my husband and me feel seen. I love them and they always make us giggle together as we take turns flipping through them. I can't wait to read more of them. Would strongly recommend it.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Little Moments of Love by Catana Chetwynd

Title: Little Moments of Love 

Author: Catana Chetwynd

Artist(s): Catana Chetwynd

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novels, Comics, Romance

Pages: 148

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Year Published: 2018

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"What began as stray doodles on scraps of paper became an internet sensation when Catana Chetwynd's boyfriend shared her drawings online. Now, Catana Comics touches millions of readers with its sweet, relatable humor. Little Moments of Love collects just that- the little moments that are the best parts of being with the person you love."

My Rating: 5/5

Although this coffee table book is short it is so touching. These stories focus on relationships and weirdos which is exactly what I am lucky enough to have with my husband. These made me laugh and I remember when I first discovers these comics on Instagram. I would strongly suggest both the coffee table books and their page. Great to share with your partner.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Fangs by Sarah Andersen

Title: Fangs

Author/Artist: Sarah Andersen

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Comics, Humor, Coffee Table Book

Pages: 115

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Year Published: 2020

Format: Hardcover Copy (Library)

"Elsie the vampire is three hundred years old, but in all that time, she has never met her match. This all changes one night in a bar when she meets Jimmy, a charming werewolf with a wry sense of humor and a fondness for running wild during the full moon. Together they enjoy horror films and scary novels, shady strolls, fine dining (though never with garlic), and a genuine fondness for each other's unusual habits, macabre lifestyle and monstrous appetites."

My Rating: 5/5

For what this is it's such a fun little set of comics. It shows so many elements to the characters and is a quick, fun-filled read. I thought it was a perfect little coffee table comic collection. I plan on purchasing a copy to add to my library. Would strongly recommend for someone looking for a fun, short, humor filled coffee table book.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Old Is the New New by Kieron Gillen

Title: Old Is the New New

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson, Stephanie Hans, Andre Likma Araujo, Kris Anka

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Vol. 8)

Genre: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy

Pages: 232

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"Modernist poets trapped in an Agatha Christie Murder Mystery. The Romantics gathering in Lake Geneva to resurrect the dead. What really happened during the fall of Rome. The Lucifer who was a nun, hearing Ananke's Black Death confession. As we approach the end, we start to see the full picture...."

My Rating: 2/5

I just really feel that this volume was such filler. I really couldn't help but feel like this episode was dragging. I look forward to finishing the series and seeing where the final volume will take us, but I'm not sure how I feel about the series overall at this exact moment.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Free Women by Jeremy Whitley

Title: Free Women
Author: Jeremy Whitley
Artists: Rosy Higgins, and Ted Brandt
Series/Standalone: Raven the Pirate Princess (Vol. 2)
Genre: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBT
Pages: 128
Publisher: Action Lab Entertainment
Year Published: 2016
Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Raven and her crew cast off to the high seas and the adventure of their lives. But before they can take on Raven's brothers they'll have to learn where they are and what's happened since Raven was locked away. So they're headed back to Raven's ancestral home island, The Island of Free Women. It's swamped with every kind of thief, assassin, and despot. Can Raven's crew face their first challenge? Can they even handle being cooped up in the same ship together?"

My Rating: 4.5/5

I'm loving that this series is doing so many things for women. It talks about sexuality and the need for equal rights in all employment but in a way that's ridiculously fun. I also think that there is just a wonderful cast of characters that I can't wait to read more about. Slowly but surely we are learning about each person's strengths and weaknesses. It's been interesting and fun. The references to our time period have been given the grateful nod and I can't wait to continue laughing with the characters in the next instalment. That being said this volume contained some really intense drama, so maybe the next one will rattle other emotions as I read it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Captain Raven and the All-Girl Pirate Crew by Jeremy Whitley

Title: Captain Raven and the All-Girl Pirate Crew
Author: Jeremy Whitley
Illustrators: Rosy Higgins and Ted Brandt
Series/Standalone: Raven: the Pirate Princess (Book #1)
Genre: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBT
Pages: 128
Publisher: Action Lab Entertainment
Year Published: 2016
Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"Raven is ready to set out on her quest for revenge against her brothers. They've stolen everything that should be hers and now she's going to get it back. But first, she needs a crew. Share the laughs, action and adventures as Raven assembles the fearless crew of awesome ladies who will help her get her revenge."


My Rating: 5/5

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a perfect mix of nerd references and girl power. Everything that I really loved about Lumberjanes at the start of the series. I also really enjoyed the aspect of LGBT that might be present later on in the series. I think it is interesting to see the flashbacks of Raven's memories and see how things changed. I also wonder about what the brothers said to the father about the need to lock her up. I'm curious to see where the stories go and how the stories intertwine. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Review: Shore of the Dying Light by Rick Remender

Title: Shore of the Dying Light
Author: Rick Remender
Illustrator/Colourist: Greg Tocchini, and Dave McCaig
Series/Standalone: Low Series (Vol. 3)
Genre: Comics, Graphic Novel, Science Fiction
Pages:128
Publisher: Image Comics
Year Published: 2016
Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Stel Caine rises from the depths to the surface of the Earth, the first human in millennia to walk on the sun-blasted wasteleand. Her daughters aren't far behind, and not everyone shares Stel's hopeful outlook of the future. Will this family reunion reveal the key to mankind's salvation... or snuff out the light forever?"

My Rating: 4.5/5

I've been waiting for this series to really grab me and this was the one. I really got invested in the storyline and the world. Especially during the final battle scenes and seeing how the family reunion is changing different elements of the faith of hope. I also think the idea that hope is a religion makes for an interesting aspect of the story. I can't wait to continue the series and see where it goes. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Lumberjanes:Friendship to the Max by Noelle Stevenson

Title: Friendship to the Max
Author: Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Waters
Illustrators: Brooke A. Allen
Series/Standalone: Lumberjanes (Volume #2)
Genre: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy
Pages: 126
Publisher: BOOM! Box
Year Published: 2015
Format: Collectors Copy (Library Edition)

"Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley are not your average campers and Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types is not your average summer camp. Between the river monsters, magic and the art of friendship bracelets, this summer is only just the beginning. Join the Lumberjanes as they take on raptors and a sibling rivalry that only myths are made of.

This New York Times bestseller and Eisner Award-nominated series is written by awesome all-star Noelle Stevenson and brilliant newcomer Grace Ellis, and illustrated by the tremendously talented Brook Allen."

My Rating: 4/5

This one didn't quite live up to my expectations due to how much I loved the first book in this graphic novel series, but I wasn't mad about it. It was fun, and showed females building each other up in the most terrific way. The magic is intense, but the friendship even more so. I can't wait to continue this series and hope to purchase my own copies soon.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny