Archie & Friends by Ken Penders

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had a great time reading this mini-comic issue, where some of Archie Comics' (Publications) famous characters such as Archie and his Riverdale friends; Sabrina, Sonic, Echidna, and Dr. Robotnik are included in the story. Great concept although I'm a little unsatisfied because the story is quite short.

Walt Disney's "The Parent Trap" by Hayley Mills

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I remember watching the 2nd version of The Parent Trap shown in the late '90s. I liked the movie and reading this 1961 comic book made me remember the scenes, as well as the time when Lindsay Lohan was still innocent in the said movie.

How to Be Perfectly Unhappy by Matthew Inman

How to Be Perfectly Unhappy by Matthew Inman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How to Be Perfectly Unhappy is the second graphic novel of The Oatmeal, or Matthew Inman in real life, that I was able to received a review copy from the publisher. A lot of readers will undoubtedly can relate to the compelling words that this 48-page book contains — especially those who think they might not be happy, currently at lost with what they really want, or those who are questioning their life's purpose.


The author is famous for his other published books that are quite funnier in theme. On the other hand, this particular book of The Oatmeal is more profound and noteworthy, because of how it discussed on what it really means to be happy or unhappy.

Space Battle Lunchtime Volume 2: A Recipe for Disaster by Natalie Riess

Space Battle Lunchtime Volume 2: A Recipe for Disaster by Natalie Riess
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This final volume compiles issues five to eight, and continues the story when Peony went missing in the 4th issue of this comic series. I like the ending to this fun and peculiar experience of Peony as contestant in a very prestigious competition in the universe. It is a light-read and the colorful artworks are very eye-catching, so just like me, I reckon everyone will be delighted when they read this one.

Entropy by Aaron Costain

Entropy by Aaron Costain
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I found this graphic novel a little bit odd. While reading this, I thought that this could be religious in theme because of some of the dialogues about God and His creations.


After I'm through reading this, I don't really know what the message it wants to impart. It just end abruptly and I don't know exactly what is it about or what happened in the ending signifies.

The Castoffs, V.2: Into The Wastelands by M.K. Reed

The Castoffs, V.2: Into The Wastelands by M.K. Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I never had a chance to check the 1st volume of this comic series, that's why I'm not familiar with the story and the characters. I'm torn on giving this either 3 or 4 stars, but I chose to give 4 stars because Duncan, the new addition to their adventure, looks like a fun character to watch out.

The first quarter of this 2nd volume has a slow pace that's why I got a little bored while reading it, but the latter part is where the exciting scenes are. I would be delighted if only I could also see the 1st issue, and I'm also anticipating the 3rd installment of this series.

Hero Cats Volume 1 by Kyle Puttkammer

Hero Cats Volume 1 by Kyle Puttkammer
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Probably because I'm a dog person that's why I wasn't able to appreciate fully this graphic novel. However, those who like cats will be delighted with the stories in this first book of the Hero Cats of Stellar City.


This volume compiles Chapter 1 to 6 with a bonus story from Action Lab's 2014 Halloween Comicfest Comic entitled, "Monster Movie Night." I consider The Menace of Johnny Arcado and Mystery on Campus the best stories in this installment.

Thanks to Action Lab Entertainment for the reading copy provided.

Herding Cats by Sarah Andersen

Herding Cats by Sarah Andersen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first time to come across Sarah Andersen's graphic novel and it never failed to made me laugh. There are some comic panels that I can relate to, but there are also some panels that I can't understand. Nonetheless, it didn't lessen the impact of how entertaining to read this.


The second half, Making Stuff in the Modern Era, is a good addition to this graphic novel; I can fully understand Andersen on her anxiety and the criticisms she encounters every now and then. I'm in the same industry also so I can identify myself to the problems the author always handles. The ending hit me on the spot and thanks for reminding me to never give up and that to always make stuff.

The Ghost Of Gaudi by El Torres

The Ghost Of Gaudi by El Torres
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Ghost of Gaudi is brilliantly conceptualized and written by its author, El Torres; and illustrator, Julius Alonzo Iglesias. I'm not into mystery/thrillers, but this graphic novel made me hooked into the story.


The illustrations that depicts the gruesome scenes to what happened to the victims, especially on Ignacio Pombo, will shock readers. I didn't expect those horrifying parts, but that's just one of the reasons that makes this astounding.

I commend both El Torres and Julius Alonzo Iglesias for coming up with this masterpiece. I highly recommend this to anyone who are fans of Antoni Gaudi, mystery/thriller genre, and to those who love reading graphic novels.

Call of Duty: Zombies by Justin Jordan

Call of Duty: Zombies by Justin Jordan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What would your reaction be if you encounter nasty zombies that never die because they keep on generating? And what's more is that someone is commanding them on what to do! It's not only terrible, but it's indeed horrifying!



At least the group of Stulinger, Russman, Marlton, and Misty were still in their state of mind when they'd encountered these unusual horde of zombies. In the end, could this four be safe with Stunlinger's so-called friend who was trying to help them, or they were just being used?

Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy: Disco Fever

AUTHOR: Doug Savage
PUBLISHER: Andrews McMeel Publishing
PUBLICATION DATE: October 24, 2017
PAGES: 144
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy face a familiar foe, a terrifying new enemy, and the frightening possibility that lasers can’t solve everything in their biggest and most dangerous adventure yet.
An accident (involving a pine cone, a fish, and a truck delivering disco supplies) triggers a series of events that leads to the ultimate confrontation between Laser Moose and his nemesis Cyborgupine. And it’s a fight that Laser Moose can’t win with lasers. Especially when faced with a malevolent new enemy: a cute little chickadee.

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MY RATING: The story of Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy: Disco Fever is one epic and unadulterated entertainment that both young and adult readers will love! I just realized that this is the second volume already after I've checked the details about this graphic novel. In spite of that, this issue is a stand-alone because even though I'm not familiar with the characters and setting, I was still able to follow the story of how Laser Moose tries to protect the forest and its inhabitants. I'll try to read the first installment of Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy story because I think I need more stories of these comic duo. Yes, I'm now a fan and I'm excited to read more of the adventures of these two in the upcoming issues.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

James Bond: Black Box

AUTHOR: Benjamin Percy
ILLUSTRATOR: Rapha Lobosco
PUBLISHER: Dynamite Comics
PUBLICATION DATE: October 11, 2017
PAGES: 160
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
In the snowbound French Alps, James Bond finds himself in the crosshairs of an assassin who targets other assassins. This is the first puzzle piece in a larger adrenaline-fueled mystery that will send Bond across the globe to infiltrate the underworld, risk everything in high-stakes casino gambling, evade deadly pursuers, and root out a digital breach threatening global security.
Dynamite proudly presents James Bond: Black Box, collecting the thrilling six-issue James Bond miniseries by writer Benjamin Percy (DC’s Rebirth: Green Arrow and Teen Titans) and artist Rapha Lobosco.

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MY RATING: This is my first time to read a graphic novel of the very famous character James Bond. I'm familiar with the James Bond movies and though I'm not a fan of the aforementioned movie franchise, I still had a great time watching them. On the contrary, I consider James Bond: Black Box a little bland especially with the conversations between the characters. I don't have any problems with the illustrations as I find them marvelously drawn. In general, the only disappointment for me is the scripts, which the writer could have written effectively if he only put himself on James Bond's perspective.

f you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

The Scarecrow Princess

AUTHOR: Federico Rossi Edrig
PUBLISHER: Lion Forge
PUBLICATION DATE: October 24, 2017
PAGES: 160
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
Morrigan Moore has always been moody, but her new home is the worst. Her novelist mother has dragged her to the countryside, drawn by the lost myth of the King of Crows, a dark figure of theft and deceit, and the Scarecrow Prince, the only one who can stand against him. When Morrigan finds herself swept up in the legend, she'll have no choice but to take on the Scarecrow Prince's mantel, and to stand and fight. For her town, her family, and her own future. This lushly drawn graphic novel will pull you into its sinister secrets and not let go till the final page. For fans of Coraline and Over the Garden Wall.

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MY RATING: After reading this graphic novel, I was thinking on what does the author, Federico Rossi Edrig, wants to convey or what lesson does he wants to impart to the readers. I was contemplating what message does he really wants to tell us because there's no precise one. I have several guess such as maybe not to give our trust especially to those who we're not quite familiar with, because they might just use this to their own advantage. I even thought that perhaps not being judgmental, be content with what you have, and being open-minded could be the message this book wants to pass to us. There's no definite moral lesson that will leave its mark to the readers; so it's just up to our own interpretation on what it could be. Moreover, there are some scenes that are not appropriate for middle grades and below, especially the part where Morrigan was having self-stimulating sexual gratification, and where she and the King of the Crows were both nude near the end of the story. On the other hand, the illustrations, may not that marvelous, are still satisfying to look into. Some parts are quite dragging, however the revelation in the climax part made up for that.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Dalston Monsterzz

AUTHOR: Dilraj Mann
PUBLISHER: Nobrow Press
PUBLICATION DATE: March 27, 2018
PAGES: 80
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:

In Dilraj Mann's long awaited graphic novel debut, all eyes turn to East London, where freakish monsters and megalomanical property developers are competing to see who can destroy it first. The only thing that stands in the way of the apocalypse?

Hipsters, hotties, and nerds. It's time to throw down--and look sharp as hell while doing so.

 

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MY RATING: While reading, I can't help but think that the people in this graphic novel also looks like monster. Or maybe they are just ugly looking that's why they are like that. (hahaha) Anyhow, I like how unique the story is and the twist in the ending is quite surprising also. [gallery ids="1289,1290,1291" type="slideshow"] Thank you to Nobrow Press for the Advance Reading Copy of this comic book.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

All Aboard The Discovery Express: Open the Flaps and Solve the Mysteries

AUTHOR: Emily Hawkins
ILLUSTRATOR: Tom Clohosy Cole
PUBLISHER: Wide Eyed Editions
PUBLICATION DATE: September 7, 2017
PAGES: 32

SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
Welcome on board the Discovery Express! The year is 1937 and a conundrum is afoot: a professor on the verge of a brilliant discovery has disappeared. Can you help to solve the clues on this time-traveling adventure and track down the missing scientist? On your voyage, you'll travel the world, see some of the most important moments in the history of transport, meet the most brilliant engineers of all time, and ultimately unveil the design of the world’s first jet engine! With clues to solve on every page, this interactive lift-flap adventure is sure to spark the imaginations of aspiring scientists and engineers everywhere, as you travel back in time to discover the history of transport.

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MY RATING: ★★★★★ The Discovery Express is one brilliant book, that kids from ages 12 and below, will definitely enjoy.  Most probably, boys would appreciate this book more than girls because of the concept of mystery and sleuthing; and the history of the invention of the wheel was also incorporated to the story that makes it more suitable for boys. In addition, there are a lot of facts and figures that kids will be delighted to devour.  The final print of the book has dimensions of 10 x 12 inches, and I'm not sure if the texts in the published version are readable enough because some italicized fonts and typeface in the digital format provided by the publisher is not readable. Nonetheless, the construction of this book is well developed and thoroughly researched, that's why the end-product is undeniably magnificent. If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon: