Manga Classics: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Crystal Chan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I was in grade school, I used to watch the anime TV series of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Hence, when I saw this chance for a reading copy of the classic tale, I immediately grabbed the chance to download it.
Reading this brings back memory during the time I was enjoying watching the said show. I wasn't able to catch all the episodes of that anime series, but through the perusal of this adaptation, I was able to know the rest of Huck's adventures.
What I like about these manga adaptations is that they put the original text of the story of these classic stories. Reading this graphic novel is like perusing the original book because the content is exactly the same. Another great factor is that there are illustrations that will help readers to imagine and understand quickly the story.

The Altered History of Willow Sparks by Tara O'Connor

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Altered History of Willow Sparks is a magnificent coming of age graphic novel. A lot of teens experiencing low self-esteem: whether they are pretty enough, funny, cool, amazing, brilliant or stylish. Whether a teen or not, sometimes we wish that we could be a much better version of our self, and that's what happened to Willow.

Because of an accident in the library that Willow works for, she discovered a secret part of the library where unusual books are stored. This is where she got her hands into a book that is named after her; she discovered that she can change her life by writing what she wishes to happen in the said book. Willow's life improved, from her outer appearance up to being accepted by others. However, nothing comes for free so there was a price to pay for all of these changes.

Willow's story is undeniably a great and entertaining tale that a lot of people could relate to. Reading this graphic novel will enlighten readers about a lot of things especially about the value of friendship, loving oneself, being confident, honest, and not trying to fit in just to be accepted.

Gothic Tales of Haunted Love by Hope Nicholson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A diverse anthology of haunting tales about love that are quite remarkable, thought-provoking, and that are really spine-chilling. It is recommended that it is better to read this graphic novel in a quiet evening to make it more enjoyable and to be it more effective.

There are numerous shocking and astonishing stories that I like in this book: Crush; Rose's Heart; Secrets in the Silk; Minefield; The Return; Green, Gold and Black; Mistress Fox; and, My Heart Still Beats For You. In the latter part, the publisher included two more special pieces that will still delight readers: The Promise by Sanho Kim; and a gothic quiz entitled, How Grave Is Your Misfortune?

The only thing that I consider this graphic novel's downside is its cover because it's not spooky enough. I know that "Don't judge the book by its cover," but it will be more believable and will entice more readers if the front cover art was scarier than its current one.

Queen Street by Emmanuelle Chateauneuf

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Queen Street is a graphic novel that narrates the life of Aimee, a Filipina who immigrated to Canada in the late 1980’s. She was a lawyer when she was still in the Philippines and she left her established career when she married Joseph. After over a decade in Canada, she and her husband were blessed with a vibrant daughter who they named Melodie.

Aimee and her story as an immigrant is a vivid depiction of some of the problems a migrant like her that encounters. Their everyday struggles to live in a foreign country describes the real life that they have is not that wonderful. However, because of their enthusiasm, resiliency, vigor, and assistance from friends and loved ones, they can handle all the difficulty that life throws at them.

There are just some minor inaccuracies in the slang words/phrases that the character Aimee mentioned, just like the words “Alla Kat Ta” and “Okinam-!” As a Filipino, I never encountered such slang words; even those who I’ve asked who are older than I am are not aware of those terms. Perhaps the author, Emmanuelle Chateaneuf, only used those words that she heard from her Filipina mother. Probably those are just made-up terms of her own mother derived from the Filipino language, or that Emmanuelle just wasn’t able to clearly hear the exact Filipino words her mom used and she never bothered to ask about them.

Nonetheless, I still consider Queen Street a good graphic novel to check out because of its convincing story and that the illustrations were nicely drawn.

Dead of Winter: Good Good Dog by Kyle Starks

MY RATING: 5 of 5 stars

I'm a fan of this comic series so when I saw that there's an available reading copy, I grabbed the chance to download it right away. I've read the first two issues of Dead of Winter last year and I still haven't read the last two, which I'm really thankful that are included in this compilation.

If you love watching or reading that are zombie-themed stories, and if you are a dog lover just like I do, you will undoubtedly this graphic novel. I'm just a little bit sad that it's just a 4-issue comic series because I'm going to miss reading the "super dog", Sparky, and his heroic acts to save the good people around him. I don't normally give away spoilers, but for those who want to know if Sparky died in the end, I assure you that you'll smile after you finish reading this.

The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac by Christopher Corr

MY RATING: 5 of 5 stars

The Great Race is a Chinese folklore story about the Chinese Zodiac. I remember that we were able to watch a movie about the 12 Chinese animal signs in Disney Channel Asia. I can't recall the exact story of each animal in the movie version, but I can remember some of them just like about the rat, ox, dragon, snake, and pig.

In this version by the Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Christopher Corr's narrative is more detailed I guess. Although, I'm not sure if the story of the other animal signs in this book is similar to the movie or based on the other myth versions. Overall, this charming book will definitely be loved by all kids because of the story and its brightly colored illustrations.

The Tiny Tale of Little Pea by Davide Cali

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of the Tiny Tale of The Little Pea reminds me of the stories of Thumbelina and Stuart Little. Despite the similarity, Davide Cali wrote this beautiful children's story to uplift kids — especially those who dream of becoming an artist/illustrator someday — that indeed, one can never be too small to be a great artist. Furthermore, the cute illustrations drawn by the Sébastien Mourrain, that kids will definitely adore — contributes a lot that makes this storybook very splendid.

The Promise by Pnina Bat Zvi

MY RATING: 5 of 5 stars

The Promise is a children’s storybook written by Pnina Bat Zvi and Margie Wolfe, and illustrated by Isabelle Cardinal. It is about the true story of two sisters, Toby and Rachel, who got imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp. It is a given fact that the Holocaust period is one of the dreadful events in the history of mankind, and even young kids were the victim of this atrocity.

Toby and Rachel’s story, and their pledge to each other to always together be brilliantly narrated in this book. Regardless of what happened to them in the Auschwitz camp was tremendously horrible; their tale of how they survived to keep their promise is quite fascinating.

A highly commendable read and a great way to introduce kids, as young as ten and below, about what is the Holocaust, Nazi Germany, and the concentration camps during the World War II. There are a lot of moral lessons that kids could pick up after reading this and parents or teachers must carefully explain and point out it to them.

Archival Quality by Ivy Noelle Weir

MY RATING: 4 of 5 stars

Archival Quality is a graphic novel about Celeste “Cel” Walden who’s battling mental health issues on her own. Due to her condition, Cel was fired from her work as a library assistant; she searched for a new job online and found an archivist opening in the Logan Museum. She was hired immediately by Abayomi, the Chief Curator, and she was offered a free lodging in the museum’s apartment; Cel is required to work after museum hours thus the complimentary accommodation.

Working alone in a graveyard shift in a museum of medical history, Cel often encountered paranormal activities. Aside from that, she frequently dreamt of a woman who was trying to show Cel on what happened to her. The woman was seeking help from Cel, therefore, she tried to seek for clues alone. However, Abayomi found out what she was doing and he told Cel that he also experienced what she was facing. They team up and Holly, the librarian, later help them searching out what could be the ghost desires.

The tale of the Archival Quality may not be that spooky enough to frighten readers, but I like it because the story was actually interesting. And through careful consideration, readers will be left with the message that we should respect not only the living but also the remains of the dead.

The Lost Path by Amélie Fléchais

MY RATING: 3 of 5 stars

The Lost Path is about the adventure of three young kids: Elliot, Charlie, and Arthur. They got lost in the woods while they were trying to treasure hunt. Along the way, they meet some strange characters such as talking animals and monsters. The first part of the story is about the young couple in the past that got lost in the same forest, and the kids got entangled with the unfinished story of the couple while they were looking their way out.
Readers will never know what happened to the duel between the two characters near the end of the story; it is up to the reader’s imagination who might have won and if there will be finally a conclusion to the story of the couple in the beginning.
Although this graphic novel was labeled as a children’s fiction, this is more appropriate for older readers because young ones might get perplexed by the flow of the story. I assume that it will not be much appealing to kids because even though I’m way older for its target audience, I got confused on some parts especially near the end.

I'm Not Your Sweet Babboo! by Charles M. Schulz

MY RATING: 5 of 5 stars

I laughed countless times while reading this new collection in the Peanuts comic series by Charles M. Schultz. There are a lot of funny stories in this graphic novel and for me, the best is when Peppermint Patty chose to enroll in obedience school because she's tired of going to normal school. Patty and Marcie's stories and banters in this compilation are my favorite because they are really hilarious.

Of course Snoopy made me laughed too, and Sally and Linus' story is also very entertaining. I have to admit that this is my first time to read this famous Schultz comic series, particularly this from the Peanuts collection. I think everyone should try to check this — I'm 100% sure that it will make you laugh and will leave a smile on your face after you're done reading it.

Manga Classics: The Count of Monte Cristo by Stacy King

MY RATING: 5 of 5 stars

This is the nth time that I've read a Manga Classics from that were published by Udon Entertainment. I still haven't the classic book of The Count of Mount Cristo and I didn't have the slightest idea about the story.

The original novel of Alexandre Dumas is a thousand-page book, hence it will take several days or weeks before I could finish reading it. However, through this adaptation, I was able to finish reading this classic story in just several hours. It's a great alternative for someone like me who wants to read this classic but don't have much time to spare to read the novel.

The tale of Edmond Dantes' and the revenge he did for the three people who deceived him will set readers to anticipate what will happen in the end. This story reminds everyone not to be naive and trustworthy just like Dantes at the beginning of the story. If only he was observant of the people around him, he would not be imprisoned because of the false accusation that Danglars and Fernand conspired.

The Count of Monte Cristo is undoubtedly one of the best classic stories I've read so far. And these manga classics encourage not only reading, but also on promoting and appreciating the greatest classic novels.

The Tale of Angelino Brown by David Almond

MY RATING: 4 of 5 stars

The Tale of Angelino Brown is a charming middle-grade book that narrates about how a little angel just suddenly appeared in the lives of the Browns and of the people of St. Mungo’s School. Although it is meant for children aged 12 and below, I found myself engrossed in the story and on the characters. Angelino is a little darling; hence a lot of people were immediately drawn to him. However, the unexpected appearance of that tiny angel has also caught the attention of those who have wicked plans to capture him.

This children’s book will enchant kids as well as older readers because of its fascinating and endearing story — it is a delightful and short read with moral lessons about friendship, forgiveness, and kindness that kids will learn after reading.

Kim Reaper Vol. 1: Grim Beginnings by Sarah Graley

MY RATING: 4 of 5 stars

What would you do if you encountered a soul reaper? I would be curious just like Becka and I will hide to watch what that reaper will do. But I would never have the guts to talk to him/her, no matter how tame-looking that reaper looks like. However, Becka is quite different because aside from the fact that she's a very inquisitive character, she likes Kim the Reaper. Because of this, Becka got entangled with Kim's situation and problems as a reaper.

The story of Kim Reaper is narrated in both the equal perspective of Becka and Kim. The illustrations are also adorably drawn just like the story; the author, Sarah Graley, did an awesome job on the pacing of the story and on the plot line. Graley is not only a comic artist, she is also a good storyteller because she was able to come up with not only a good plot, but on how to make readers engrossed in the story.

The Spiritual Poems of Rumi by Rumi

MY RATING: 4 of 5 stars

I've read a lot of good feedbacks about this, hence I immediately ask for the ARC of this book. Readers will reflect and will have self-realization while reading the verses in this brilliant book. There are a lot of beautiful and remarkable poems that were compiled in this anthology. Reading these classic poems from the world-renown Persian poet Rumi will amaze anyone on how stunning they were written.

If ever I see the actual copy of this in local bookstores here in my country, I would definitely buy one because this kind of poems are timeless, classic and are definitely collector’s item.

Beyond the Green by Sharlee Mullins Glenn

MY RATING: 5 of 5 stars

The author, Sharlee Glenn, of Beyond the Green based the story from her personal experience when their family temporarily adopted, Gina, a five-month-old American Indian. As stated in the author’s note, before 1978, the government took away neglected or abused children from the Native Indians; they were cared for and even adopted by non-Indian families. This caused a lot of problems because the tradition and language were soon forgotten once they were raised by those who are not American Indians; hence the Congress passed the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978 to be able to protect and maintain the culture of the tribe/s.

Similar to the author’s real-life story, this fiction novel narrates the story of the Twitchell family from Uintah Basin, Utah who adopted a five-month-old American Indian baby named Chipeta in 1975. Irene Uncarrow, the biological mother of the baby was seen drunk in a bar while the baby was left inside the car in Beaumont. The social worker reached out to the Twitchells to care for the innocent baby. After four years and because of the ratification of ICWA, the social worker got in touch with them to inform that the real mother, Irene, wants to get her child again.

The possibility of Chipeta, or was later named Dorinda or Dori by their family, being taken away wasn’t easy for the Twitchells especially to Britta, the storyteller and one of the closes to Dori. She and Cally attempted several ways to avoid what they were dreading, but whatever happened, they can’t avoid the inevitable.

Beyond the Green is a poignant novel that will make one think of the power of love; on how much one will do anything just to prove it; the enormity of forgiveness and acceptance, and that proximity is not a factor to show one’s love and care.

Manga Classics: The Stories of Edgar Allen Poe by Stacy King

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The only story of Edgar Allan Poe that I've read was "The Cask of Amontillado," which was a required must-read by our high school teacher over a decade ago. It was both bizarre and gruesome, and reading it again in this graphic novel brought up how I was really horrified back then.


Aside from the aforementioned story, there are other four tales in this book: ? The Tell-Tale Heart; The Raven; The Masque of the Red Death; and The Fall of the House of Usher. This manga adaptation of some of the well-known stories of Poe is, I believe, a good way to make any readers to enjoy them more. I highly recommend this graphic novel and other manga classics published by Udon Entertainment to students — so they can vividly imagine and better understand these classic tales.