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: 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. 9 by John Allison

Title: Giant Days Vol. 9

Author: John Allison

Series/Standalone: Giant Days (Volume 9)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Contemporary

Pages: 110

Publisher: Boom Entertainment

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"It's the end of the second year, and everything is happening so fast! Moving out, breaking up, breaking hearts, breaking... bones? Best-Mates-for-Life Esther, Daisy, and Susan had better hold on tight if they want to make it to their third year, never mind in one piece!"

My Rating: 5/5

This is my first time reading a new-to-me Giant Days in a while and it was amazing. I love seeing all the characters growing up and finding who they are. It reminds me so much of my college experience and my early twenties. I just think that this book really will give anyone the warm and fuzzies. I can't wait to read the next installment. I'll be sad when the series is over, but I plan to buy all the copies as they are a favorite for me to reread.

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

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: 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