Review: Threads and Portents by Jim Zub

Title: Threads and Portents

Author: Jim Zub

Artist(s): Steven Cummings, Tamra Bonvillain

Series/Standalone: Wayward Vol. 4

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 136

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2017

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"IMAGES SUPERNATURAL SENSATION CONTINUES! The group is pulled apart and the hidden mythic worlds of Ireland and Japan are revealed."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I have so many questions! This series keeps unfolding and gaining my attention, I can't wait to see where the rest of the series takes us. The only problem? I think this is the last copy my library owns! Tragedy strikes, but bookstores will be profiting from my obsession.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

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: Ties That Bind by Jim Zub

Title: Ties That Bind

Author: Jim Zub

Artist(s): Steven Cummings & Tamra Bonvillain

Series/Standalone: Wayward Series (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 136

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"After the traumatizing finale of volume one, everything has changed for our supernatural teens. Who is Ohara and how does she fit into the great patterns of destiny and power that will change Japan forever?"

My Rating: 5/5

I loved this installment in the series. I thought that this volume was the right mix of action and character building. It had the same great art that I loved from the first volume and the plot is fast-paced enough for me to read through each volume in one sitting. Exactly what I needed from a graphic novel at this moment.

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

Review: Demons by Kurtis J. Wiebe

 Title: Demons

Author: Kurtis J. Wiebe

Artists: Tess Fowler (art), Tamra Bonvillain (colours), and Ed Brisson (lettering)

Series/Standalone: Rat Queens (Volume 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 160

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback Copy (Borrowed)

"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."

My Rating: 5/5

This volume had a bit of a different art style that took a bit of getting used to for me. I find that when art styles change it throws me off a little and takes a while for me to get to the plot at hand. That being said, as with the last volumes I was sucked into the plot quickly. After learning more about the main characters pasts I'm beginning to understand how they came together as a party of rage tag, drinking, partying, and badass women. I look forward to seeing where the plot goes from here, as I've seen reviews that say we go in a totally different direction with no explanation of what becomes of our current plot points. I hope that it isn't too disjointed. Would recommend this series overall so far though.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny