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

Review: Okay by Kieron Gillen

Title: Okay

Author: Kieron Gillen

Contributor(s): Jamie McKelvie and Matt Wilson

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Vol. 9)

Genre: Adult, Graphic Novel, Urban Fantasy

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"After five years, we reach the final volume. We go not gentle into that good night, but go driving a converted tank, covered in glitter and spangles, with a sound system audible from Mars blaring nothing but bangers. Gods, pop stars, an ending. We'll miss you."

My Rating: 5/5

What a fucking finale. Watching how this series came to a close was absolutely magnificent. I read this volume in one sitting and couldn't speed through it fast enough. Watching our characters grow and the rapid plot twists throughout the series has been so entertaining. If you're looking for an urban fantasy, alternative reality graphic novel series I would high recommend it. It doesn't always make a lot of sense, but we got there in the end. I would highly recommend it. Also, the art style is stunning throughout! Absolutely stunning.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Bleed by Kieron Gillen

Title: Bleed

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Stephanie Hans

Series/Standalone: Die Vol. 4

Genre: Adult, Graphic Novel, Fantasy

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"We've had dragons. The award-winning bleak deconstruction couldn't end without turning its unblinking eye upon a dungeon. There's no escape. There's only down."

My Rating: 2/5

This volume was really a love letter to tabletop RPG and what they offer their communities. That being said, I feel like through most of this series I was just confused. And that's ok. It doesn't always have to make sense but for graphic novels, I like to have a good time and not have to think too terribly hard (that could be a me problem). I look forward to getting my fiancee to read these as he is an avid DnD player and I'm curious to see his thoughts.

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: Mothering Invention by Kieron Gillen

Title: Mothering Invention

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Jamie McKelvie & Matt Wilson

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Vol. 7)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Urban Fantasy

Pages: 208

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"In the past: awful stuff. In the present: awful stuff. But, increasingly, answers."

My Rating: 3.75/5

This was a good instalment, just a bit long for my taste. I found that the history of the story was interesting, but some of the action scenes just didn't hit home for me. I also wasn't a fan of where the most recent plot twist in this volume is taking us. I am curious to see how this series wraps up and plan to read more graphic novels by Kieron Gillen.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Imperial Phase Part II by Kieron Gillen

Title: Imperial Phase, Part II

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Jamie McKelvie and Matt Wilson

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Vol. 6)

Genre: Adult, Graphic Novel, Urban Fantasy

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy

"When you're at the peak of your powers, there's only one way to go. The question becomes- how many people are you willing to drag down with you?"

My Rating: 4.5/5

Even though this volume took me a while to finish it was really an enjoyable read once I got into it. With plenty of plot twists, and once again amazing art this series is always keeping me on my toes. I love the twists, turns and horrors that this series really shows. I can't wait to see where the characters go from her. More graphic horrors no doubt. I hope to continue this series as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Imperial Phase, Part 1 by Kieron Gillen

Title: Imperial Phase, Part 1

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson, Kevin Wada

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Vol. 5) 

Genre: Graphic Novels, Adult

Pages: 200

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2017

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The gods are free to do whatever they want. Inevitably, they do. Collects issues 23- 28 of the series, including the critically lauded Kevin Wada magazine issue."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I thought that after the last volume it would be so quick and easy to jump into this one, but the story in this one just didn't grab my attention the way I wanted it to. And while there were a few twists, they weren't unexpected. I still enjoy the art style and the plot, just hoping the next one is a bit faster-paced.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Rising Action by Kieron Gillen

Title: Rising Action

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Volume #4)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Mythology

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Every ninety years, twelve gods are reincarnated as young people. They are loved. They are hated. And sometimes- just sometimes- they fall into open Superstar wars. The fourth volume of the award-winning, best-selling series from acclaimed creators KIERON GILLEN, JAMIE McKelvie, and MATT Wilson is the most explosive yet."

My Rating: 5/5

This was such a great volume of this book. The plot twist in this series was amazing and watching the alliances beginning to form made me curious to see where the characters will be going. I hope to read a bit more into the characters and find out what causes them to die every four years. Will be continuing the series, as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Commercial Suicide by Kieron Gillen

Title: Commercial Suicide

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Tula Lotay, Kate Brown, Stephanie Hans, Leila del Duca, Brandon Graham

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Volume 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Urban Fantasy

Pages: 200

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"After the detonation of Fandemonium, the gods-as-pop-stars of THE WICKED + THE DIVINE try living in the long dark shadow.

Team WicDiv is joined by a stellar cast of guest artists to put the spotlight on each of the gods. The multiple Eisner Award-nominated series continues in the only way it knows how darker, weird, faster. Don't worry. It's going to be okay."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This one was it. It really opens up the story to all the different perspectives of the gods and what they went through before entering godhood. I thought the change of artist was interesting although it did throw me off for a bit during the start. It frequently happens that artists are changed in the middle of a graphic novel series and I don't always enjoy it. I look forward to continuing the series. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Fandemonium by Kieron Gillen

Title: Fandemonium

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Mythology

Pages: 200

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"The second volume of the award-winning urban fantasy series where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. Following the tragic and unjust death of Lucifer, it takes a revelation from Inanna to draw Laura back into the world of Gods and Superstardom to try and discover the truth behind a conspiracy to subvert divinity."

My Rating: 4/5

This was far more entertaining than the first book. I felt like I started to understand what was going on for the characters and the plot. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The art style is phenomenal. I look forward to continuing the series and finishing it as soon as possible. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Great Game by Kieron Gillen

Title: The Great Game

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Stephanie Hans, Clayton Cowles

Series/Standalone: Die Series (Vol. 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"In the world of DIE, the players are now real players. Countries are their pieces and the board threatens to run red with blood. Who is the Queen and who are the pawns? Who's playing to win? Who's forgotten what they're playing for? And will they do when they're reminded of the real stakes? The critically acclaimed dark fantasy smash hit goes epic in its third volume."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This wasn't my favorite volume of the series, the more we add characters the less I'm certain about where the series is going. I do love the atmosphere of these stories. A fantasy world based on different works of literature is so entertaining to me. I hope that we gain momentum in the last volume in the series. I plan to read it as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Split the Party by Kieron Gillen

Title: Split the Party

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Stephanie Hans, Clayton Cowles

Series/Standalone: Die (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"No one can escape DIE until everyone agrees to go home. Or rather, no one can escape DIE until everyone who is alive agrees to go home. The second arc of the commercial and critical hit of bleakly romantic fantasy fiction starts to reveal the secrets of the world and our heroes' past. Yes, they can't escape DIE. They also can't escape themselves."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This is just such so bleak, dark fantasy. If you love to play Dnd, or other role-playing games this is a great graphic novel for you to pick up. If you enjoy high-stakes scenarios and an interesting world. This is for you. If you want weird magical abilities, this is for you. If you can't handle blood or gore, DO NOT pick this up. The art style is stunning, the story is amazing, I can't wait to continue on with the series.

Thanks for reading, 

Sidny

Review: Fantasy Heartbreak by Kieron Gillen

Title: Fantasy Heartbreaker

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist: Stephanie Hans

Series/Standalone: Die (Volume #1)

Genre: Graphic Novels, RPG, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 184

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The Wicked + The Divine writer Kieron Gillen teams up with artist supernova Stephanie Hans (WicDiv, Journey Into Mystery) for her first ongoing comic. Die is a pitch-black fantasy where a group of forty-something adults have to deal with the returning unearthly horror they only just survived as teenage role-players. If Kieron's in a rush, he describes it as "Goth Jumanji", but that's only the tip of this obsidian iceberg."

My Rating: 4/5

This was a really wonderful introduction to the world and the characters. I absolutely adored the art style and the storytelling method. Seeing the characters in past and present helps to gain suspense as we're wondering what happened fully to them in the past as well as how they ended up where they are in their lives now. I look forward to continuing the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny