Review: The Parliament of Magpies by Kieron Gillen

Title: The Parliament of Magpies

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain

Series/Standalone: Once & Future (Vol. 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Retellings

Pages: 160

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The next chapter in the critically acclaimed and Eisner Award nominated series as Bridgette, Duncan and Rose must find a way to stay one step ahead of Merlin and keep things secret, but it's a modern era and secrets never stay hidden very long...

THE WORST OF BOTH WORLDS.

Although the monsters of Beowulf may have been defeated, the convergence of stories means the tether between our world and the Otherworld grows dangerously thin. Determined to stay one step ahead of Arthur and Merlin's plan, Bridgette and Duncan start with what they know, tracking down the last connections Nimue had: the nationalists she used to resurrect Arthur, and Lancelot. But finding the legendary knight may not be enough Melin has found his last piece of the puzzle and it goes all the way up to the highest reaches of British government. In order to prevent more chaos, Bridgette, Duncan, and Rose must fight harder than ever to keep things secret, but it's a modern era and secrets never stay hidden for long..."

My Rating: 3/5

I enjoyed this instalment, at this point though I don't think that I'm going to love this series. It's been really interesting and I've enjoyed the art for sure, but overall the storyline isn't doing the most for me. So far it's just been ok. I hope that the next installment either wraps this series up or keeps it going in a momentous direction. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Old English by Kieron Gillen

Title: Old English

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Dan Mora & Tamra Bonvillain

Series/Standalone: Once & Future (Vol. 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult

Pages: 160

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"When an ancient helmet at the British Museum is taken, Bridgette and Duncan are confronted by another hero of yore, one who will lead them to facing off against their most formidable challenge yet... a beast and his mother.

Although Bridgette and Duncan stopped Arthur from retrieving the Grail and separated him from the legendary scabbard of Excalibur, the undead King of the Britons still has his sights on returning to our world and returning to power. By inadvertently changing the story of the famous King, Duncan and Gran have thrown the Otherworld into shambles, allowing for new legends and characters to make their appearance- and bring a world of trouble along with them."

My Rating: 4/5

This was such a great follow-up to the first volume in the series. This starts with action and excitement while still drawing the reader in with characters we love. I love Gran in this series she's so unpredictable. A mix between hero and grandmother, always a character of interest. I plan on continuing the series as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The King is Undead

Title: The King is Undead

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Dan Mora & Tamra Bonvillain

Series/Standalone: Once & Future (Vol. 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Retelling, Fantasy

Pages: 160

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"When a group of Nationalists use an ancient artifact to bring a villain from Arthurian myth back from the dead to gain power, retired monster hunter Bridgette McGuire pulls her unsuspecting grandson Duncan, a museum curator, into a world of magic and mysticism to combat the deadly secrets of England's past that threaten its very future."

My Rating: 5/5

This did what I love about graphic novels. You are thrown into the story and have characters that are so eye-catching it dares you to not read it. It's so well written and so enjoyable. While we don't know everything going on in the world (which adds to the intrigue), we get an idea of where we are going in the plot and begin to understand our characters' place in their worlds. I loved the characters and the start of this plot. The art style is so fun and I can't wait to continue with the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny