Category: Graphic Novels

Posted in Book Reviews, Graphic Novels, Manga

REVIEW: Baccano! Vol. 1 by Ryohgo Narita

Posted on by elishasbookreview

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*No Major Spoilers*

New York, 1927.

In a corrupt city where crime rules the streets, Firo Prochainezo is Camorra, an Italian criminal syndicate distinct from the mafia. A member of the relatively small Martillo family, Firo nevertheless got big ambitions and is determined to make his mark. But while the Martillos may not be the biggest bad guys on the block, they’ve got some distinct advantages working in their favor. Does Firo have what it takes to become a made man?

Let the crazy ruckus begin!

I was really excited about this manga when I saw this at my library. I enjoy 1920’s era stories as well as Mafia/the Mob stories. Sadly, this one disappointed me.

The characters were generic, I had a difficult time telling them apart. Generic mobsters all fighting for control. For example Similar hairstyles and hair colors between each one it was a bit of a headache trying to distinguish them apart

The storyline only got interesting when I was more than half-way into it. At that point I had lost my enthusiasm for the rest of the story. I did finish the story though. When I finished it things started finally making sense, but up until that point, it was like going to a family reunion and seeing most of the people you’ve never met.  Kind of like when Aunt May comes up to you and squeezes your cheeks and says “OH I REMEMBER YOU WHEN YOU WERE JUST A BABY!!” And you’re standing there like “Mom, why is this strange woman pinching my cheeks?”

I did like when the plot fully came together and started to make more sense. I would be willing to read the next book in the series to give it a second chance.

I would recommend this to people who are more into 1920’s era New York and a bit of the Noir theme.

Buy it here on Amazon!

Posted in Book Reviews, Graphic Novels, Manga

REVIEW: Delicious in Dungeon Vol. 1 by Ryoko Kui

Posted on by elishasbookreview

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*No Major Spoilers*

When young adventurer Laios and his company are attacked and soundly thrashed by a dragon deep in a dungeon, the party loses all its money and provisions…and a member! They’re eager to go back and save her, but there is just one problem: If they set out with no food or coin to speak of, they’re sure to starve on the way! But Laios comes up with a brilliant idea: “Let’s eat the monsters!” Slimes, basilisks, and even dragons…none are safe from the appetites of these dungeon-crawling gourmands!

This manga caught my eye by the odd-sounding title. The theme of eating the monsters that are found in the dungeon is a unique idea. Most dungeon-crawlers are dependant on “standard” foods. Eating the monsters is unorthodox to most dungeon-crawler type scenarios.

My favorite character is Senshi, the dwarf. He joins the team at the beginning and teaches the group how to cook the monsters and how their diets affect their abilities to fight and travel. His unique perspective on the adventure is admirable and humorous.

My least favorite character is Marcille, the mage. She is against the whole idea of eating monsters and complains every step of the way. Even after Senshi proved to her time, and time again that eating monsters wasn’t a bad thing, she continued to complain throughout.

A unique touch I found in the story was whenever they cooked a dish, they would show the recipe and nutrition facts. I thought that was funny and added a nice touch to the story overall.

I would recommend this manga to lovers of dungeon-crawlers, monster lovers, and aspiring cooks alike. This is a unique take on the rehashed story of “going through the dungeon to save/do x,y, and z.

Buy on Amazon

Posted in Book Reviews, Graphic Novels, Manga

REVIEW: Little Hero Vol. 1 by Wakasa

Posted on by elishasbookreview
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*No Major Spoilers*

One day after school, fifth-grader Sawa is suddenly enveloped by a bright light, and moments later an unfamiliar landscape straight from a fantasy novel stretches out before her. With no way to return to Earth, she’s forced to accept the role of the “Dawn Hero” and save the world from being devoured by the Witch’s mist.

Sawa quickly learns no one goes by their name in this new world–only by their role in life. From then onward, she is known only as Hero. She is accompanied by Servant, Dagger, and Lady Knight on her adventure to fulfill her role as the hero who will save the world! Will this little hero be able to live up to the role forced upon her? Will she ever return home?

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I was intrigued by the premise of this book. A fifth-grader sent to save an unfamiliar world? This book definitely delivered. With dangerous turns at every corner, how can Hero defend herself?

I liked the character development in this manga. Each character has depth and their own personal reason for doing what they do. For example, Hero begins as a shy person questioning the things around her only to grow and become better to protect her friends as the story progresses.

My favorite character, besides Hero, was Dagger. He starts off as a pickpocketing street urchin and becomes part of something greater, he’s one of those pretender types where he plays as a punk, but in reality, he’s just a big softy.

I really liked this book and I’m sure if you’re into Fantasy manga with a unique take on a story, then this is a great book for you!

Posted in Book Reviews, Graphic Novels, Marvel Comics

REVIEW: X-Men: Colossus: God’s Country by Christopher Yost

Posted on by elishasbookreview

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*No Spoilers*

In this collection of comic books, we learn about Colossus, a mutant with the ability to turn his skin into “living metal”. Along with being bulletproof and super strength, he also has a “no kill” policy.

Peter Rasputin was a hard-working farmer in Siberia with his parents and younger sister. When a runaway tractor is about to run over the unsuspecting sister, Peter’s skin turns into steel and saves his sister from getting killed.

When the leader of the X-Men, Charles Xavier goes to recruit the new mutant, Colossus finds a new home with the X-Men.

The many stories in this collection discuss how Americans felt about the Russians after the cold war. Colossus also deals with the internal struggles of wanting to be with his family in Siberia but also wanting to stay with the X-Men in America.

I loved Colossus in the Deadpool movies. I liked his dry humor and the fact that his character in the movies strongly representing his comic book counterpart. He does things by the book, and Deadpool is the opposite of that.

This collection of Colossus stories will leave you thinking the difficult questions about “what does it mean to be free”? This collection is entertaining as well as thought-provoking.

I would recommend this graphic novel if you’re wanting a fulfilling comic book read. Every story is complete and leaves no loose strings. The characters are admirable and relatable on one level or another.

Buy on Amazon

Posted in Book Reviews, Graphic Novels

REVIEW: Noble Vol. 1: God Shots by Brandon Thomas

Posted on by elishasbookreview

9781941302361_04745*Minor Spoilers Ahead* 

**Thanks for Diamond Book Distributors for sending a review copy of this graphic novel**  

When an astronaut is rescued from a failed mission and wakes up with powers beyond his understanding and control, he starts looking for answers. Where those answers lead him will be his undoing.

This graphic novel looked interesting to me from the beginning. The cover looks like it’s going to be epic! However, the actual storyline is disappointing. The plot was confusing until the last section.

From what I’ve gathered, an asteroid was destined to hit earth, a woman and her science company sent astronauts to destroy the asteroid. The astronauts died in the process. However, they each woke up with special abilities and powers.

So from the research I have done, Noble was supposed to kick off the Catalyst Prime storyline. The group of superheroes were all the astronauts from this failed mission, and are going to be struggling with their powers, and coming to grips with them.

I will have to read further into this storyline to decide whether this one was good. Some comics are better with others in the arc. However, as it stands this book was meh.