Graphic Novel Review: Feelings by Manjit Thapp

Title: Feelings (A Story in seasons)
Author: Manjit Thapp
Genre: Art; Graphic Novel
Publication Date: March 2nd, 2021
Publisher: Random House

Enter Manjit Thapp’s world, where you’ll find moods that change as quickly as the weather; the different shades of anxiety and hope that each new season brings; and the stages of joy and pain that fuel our growth. From the spark of possibility and jolt of creativity in High Summer, to the need for release from anxiety and pressure during Monsoon, to the desolation and numbness of Winter, Thapp implores us to consider the seasons of our own emotional journeys.

Articulating and validating the range of feelings we all experience, this is a book that allows us to feel connected and comforted by the experiences that make us human.

Rating

*A thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this. This is my honest and unbiased review*

Hello Fellow Readers!

This was such a unique graphic novel. Thapp really outdid herself on the artwork, there was so much detail and thought put into each frame, I had to look through multiple times so I did not miss anything. The art really set the mood for each season Thapp represented in this book, it almost felt like visual poetry. I would love to have Thapp’s artwork on my walls at home as I loved it.

 The story really complimented the artwork and I found myself feeling each emotion Thapp displayed in real time.I was also able to really empathize with the story as I found myself in these same situations. The only complaint I would have is that I would have loved for it to have been longer.

Overall if you love visual books, this one is a must.

Comic Review: Squad Goals by Shequeta Smith

Title: Squad Goals
Author: Shequeta Smith
Genre: Comic; Young Adult
Publication Date: November 27, 2020

Squad Goals tells the story of Faith Walker, a former UCA cheerleader turned championship-winning cheer coach who, after a rogue hair bow incident, loses the 2020 UCA championship. Just before the fall season begins, Faith is fired from her coaching job at Dallas Prep and replaced by Bianca Houston, a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader who also happens to be her arch-nemesis. While searching for a new gig, Faith is recruited to coach a ragtag team of girls located at a local juvenile detention center. Despite their teen angst and aversion to cheerleading, Faith manages to find something special in each of the girls that she uses to turn them into a formidable cheer squad.

Rating

*Thank you to the Author for allowing me to read this. This is my honest and unbiased review*

Hello Fellow Readers,

It’s been a while and I’m trying to settle in to reading and reviewing again. I’m trying to get back into the groove of reading and while it’s a little difficult especially right now, I’m going to continue trying. Anyway let’s get on to the review.

This was such a fun comic to read. Superficially, one might ask why a comic about cheerleaders would be interesting but of course never judge a book by it’s cover. The story revolves around 4 girls Anna, Tonya, Macy and Carmen along with their new coach Faith Walker. Each girl has gotten into some troubled which caused them to be transferred to a juvenile detention center, but things are not as cut and dry as it seems. The girls have a lot going on, from death in the family all the way to bullying, while Coach Walker is dealing with being replaced by her ex-husbands new wife. 

The story is a heartwarming underdog tale but I really wished it was longer. I was just craving more backstory and insight to each of the individual girls lives. I also wished it showed more bonding moments as well as training. The artwork is nice and does it’s best to show each girl’s personality.

Overall, if your looking for a nice quick read.

Book Review: Blue in Green

Title: Blue in Green
Author: Ram V
Artist: Anand RK
Genre: Horror; Music; Graphic Novel
Publication Date: October 28, 2020
Publisher: Image

The dark and haunting portrayal of a young musician’s pursuit of creative genius — the monstrous nature of which threatens to consume him as it did his predecessor half a century ago. From creators Ram V (Grafity’s Wall, These Savage Shores) and Anand RK (Grafity’s Wall), BLUE IN GREEN is an exploration of ambitions, expectations and the horrific depths of their spiraling pursuit.

*A Thank you to Edelweiss+ for allowing met to read this. Here is my honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

I knew I would really like this. A graphic novel with interesting and captivating artwork? Check. Heavily influenced by music? Check. Mild horror elements? Check. These things made Blue in Green (named after the Miles Davis song) such a fantastic read. In this novel we meet Erik a music teacher at a college where life seems to just be middling by. Suddenly he is called back to his childhood home by his sister to attend his mother’s funeral.

This is when the story picks up as we are introduced to a complicated mother-son relationship, a mysterious man, and a mystery that captures Erik’s attention. This novel really had me hooked, on one hand we are dealing with a man who is struggling to understand his life and lack of musical success. On the other we have forces tat work that seem inescapable. 

While it did take me a while to get used to the art style by the end of the book I was enraptured and wished I had some of the artwork to hang on my walls. The reasons this doesn’t get perfect makes is because I felt like it needed more the story, at the end I was left with more questions then answers.

Overall, if your a fan of music and a great story brought to life by lovely artwork this is for you 

Book Review: Moonstruck Vol 1 by Grace Ellis

Title: Moonstruck Vol. 1
Author: Grace Ellis; Shae Beagle
Illustrators: Kaye Leth; Caitlin Quirk; Clayton Cowles
Genre: Fantasy; Graphic Novel; LGBT; Supernatural; Young Adult
Publication Date: March 27th 2018
Publishers: Image Comics

Werewolf barista Julie and her new girlfriend go on a date to a close-up magic show, but all heck breaks loose when the magician casts a horrible spell on their friend Chet. Now it’s up to the team of mythical pals to stop the illicit illusionist before it’s too late

*A Thank you to Edelweiss for allowing me to read this in exchange for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers, 

Today we have a Graphic novel about a butt being stolen and the friends who try to get it back. First of all, what really caught my attention is the artwork. It’s so cute and I think it maybe my favorite artwork in a Graphic novel yet. I am going to look up the artists to see if I can get some artwork because It’s really amazing.

As far as the story goes it was good. I really like Selena and Julie’s relationship, but there was a moment in the book where they had a bit of a argument, which doesn’t really get resolved. Also, the relationship is so new but they seem to be falling for each other fast. It was really cute though, and I honestly don’t think I’ve ever rooted for a couple as quick as I rooted for them. 
I really loved Chet, they were such a great character and I am so glad they were included in the book. This is the second graphic novel that I’ve read where they had a non binary character and I am so glad they were included because (once again) I love Chet. Unlike the last novel, Chet was more fleshed out and given more room to grow. 

While the artwork is cutesy, it does deal with some heavy topics , like when your identity of who you are is taken from you, or when you believe your not “normal” and the pressure to fit in. I can’t wait to read volume 2.

Overall, a good, fun, and unique read.