Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy / Noelle Stevenson / 128 pages

Having read Nimona by Noelle Stevenson for a Read Harder challenge category last year, I had high expectations for Lumberjanes. I have heard a lot of good things about it. However, my opinion is that it isn't good as I had expected. I feel like it was all over the place, and so I found myself a bit too confused and not nearly as interested as I had hoped.

Lumberjanes is a comic. The first volume is comprised of the first four issues. Five teenage female friends band together at a summer camp in the woods and end up coming across all sorts of mystical creatures including three-eyed foxes. There are also weird visions and secret caves. The mystery of what in the world is going on is the central part of the comic, but I suspect one would have to read more to really make sense of what is going on.

Nimona / Noelle Stevenson / 266 pgs

Nimona was a fun ride. I enjoyed the story set in a strange world where you still have knights and jousts, and some people wear typical medieval garb, but you also have magic, and modern conveniences, like a city with skyscrapers, television newscasts, and modern/futuristic science.  I enjoyed that the story focused on Lord Blackheart, the supposed villain of the story, who really wasn't much of a villain at all, and his new sidekick, Nimona, who is far more than what you would think, but really just a scared little girl.

Nimona, a shape-shifter with a mysterious past and a penchant for mischievousness, becomes the sidekick of Lord Blackheart, a villain with a score to settle. Their mission is to prove to the world that Sir Goldenloin and the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are. However, Nimona starts to show a dark side that even scares Lord Blackheart and the race is on to figure out just who or what Nimona really is.

Wires and Nerve, Volume 1 / Marissa Meyer / 240 pgs

Everyone who knows my reading habits knows that I discovered the Lunar Chronicles series last year and absolutely fell in love with Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, Winter, and Iko. I even got to meet Marissa Meyer when she came to MY LIBRARY in October. One of my most treasured possessions now is my autographed copy of Stars Above.

So, to say that I've been eagerly awaiting more from the Lunar Chronicles universe is a huge understatement. This new story, that takes place seven months after the end of Winter, centers on the often forgotten character of Iko, the android who has a mind of her own. She adores romance, beautiful clothes and makeup, and wants the best for her friends, especially Cinder. In this story, told in graphic novel form, Iko takes it upon herself to neutralize the threat of the leftover wolf-hybrid soldiers on Earth. Iko is a great new heroine. She's tough, sarcastic, and just a lot of fun to read.

I only wish that the graphic novel was more colorful instead of two-tone, and that all the men didn't look exactly alike. I hate that I can't tell the difference between Carswell Thorne (my favorite male character) and Lt. Kinney. Though I'm somewhat disappointed over the art, I love the story, and I am excited that it is a multi-volume series. I can't wait for Volume 2!

***PSA*** This is not for people who have yet to read the Lunar Chronicles. Though they try to have a bit of an introduction at the beginning, it's not enough to really comprehend what is going on without having read the books first.

Orange : The Complete Collection (vols. 1&2) / Takano, Ichigo / 384 pgs.

On the first day of 11th grade, Naho, receives a letter from her future twenty-seven-year-old self.  At first she believes it to be a joke, but as events describe in the letter start happening in front of her, she starts to take the letter more seriously.  One major detail in the letter is asking the younger Naho, to look after the new transfer student, a boy named Kakeru, and help keep him from a terrible future. 

If you could go back in time to fix a regret in your life, would you?  Do you think it could change things?  A very interesting concept to explore and to remind younger teen readers some truths about human nature.  For example, everyone has things going on in their life that you may not know about, but it affects their behavior. 

Ms. Marvel : Crushed / G. Willow Wilson / 104 pgs

Ms. Marvel is a new superhero that is a breath of fresh air.   This strong, powerful, protector of the universe is packed into a short, clumsy/nerdy, teenage, Pakistani American girl named Kamala Khan. As Kamala is trying to navigate her everyday high school life, she constantly has to take time out to save  her friends, family, and city from the evil super-villains; using her extraordinary strength and stretching ability.

In "Crushed" Kamala receives a special valentine from a secret admirer who asks her out to the school dance.  Unfortunately, because of her parent's strict rules she is not allowed to date nor attend dances.  Kamala still goes to watch over the student body, which lucky for them she ends up saving them from evil villain Loki who tries to spike the punch to turn the students into mindless slaves.

Also a new villain shows up and he has set up an elaborate plan to trap Ms. Marvel. Will she fall right into his hands or figure it out just in time?  Kamala may be a bit distracted this time as a handsome young man whose parents are a friend of the family arrives.  Of course this guy is approved of by her parents, much to the chagrin of Kamala's best friend Bruno.

It's fun to see this young girl show her sweet and powerful sides.  And it also give a little peak at what a very muslim household would run like.  I would recommend this comic to any teenager (boy or girl).

The Good Neighbors: Kith (book 2) / Holly Black & Ted Naifeh / 115 pgs

Book 2, in the "Good Neighbors" graphic novel series starts with main character Rue Silver still searching for her missing mother, who is now believed to be trapped in the fairy realm.  Rue learns more about the fairy world the good and the bad and must decide which side she is on.  Should she join the fairies and help them take over the city or should she protect her human friends at all costs?

I find the story to be a bit choppy as it jumps from one scene to the next.  I'm pretty sure it is an adapted abridged version of a longer novel or at least that is how it reads.  A good fantasy story even if it is a bit cliché.  Recommend for teens, but there are sexual situations (not graphic) but suggested / depicted in this volume.
 

Otomen Vol. 3 / Aya Kanno / 200 pgs

This graphic novel series really cracks me up.  It is a light-hearted story about a boy named Asuka, who loves "girly" things.  However, he tries to hide this passion for all things pink and frilly, by being the epitome of "manly".  In this volume, Asuka is getting closer to his love interest Ryo by spending time with her at her job at a local daycare.  I don't really know of any daycare (hopefully) that would just let some teenage boy come in and work with the kids without and interview and background check, but aside from that it did create a situation where Asuka can be motherly to the little kids.  Asuka also took Ryo to an amusement park and it was funny to see Asuka trying not to be scared on the roller-coaster rides and haunted house, while Ryo was just loving it.    

Otomen (vol. 2) / Aya Kanno / 187 pgs.

You really can't take this series seriously.  The main character Asuka Masamune, is a guy who loves "girly" things, ie cooking, cleaning, sewing, cute girl toys, girl comics, etc.  In this volume, his mother returns from working overseas (it's amazing how many parents in these Japanese comics are always conveniently gone 90% of the time).  Asuka's mother suffers from fainting attacks which may kill her if it happens to many times.  Of course, she only wants her son to be 100% masculine and if he is anything else she faints.  To make matters worse, Asuka's mother has arranged an engagement between Asuka and the daughter of one of her very important clients.  

The Good Neighbors #1: Kin / Holly Black / 144 pgs / 1st in a Series

Rue Silver's world is turned upside down, when her mother disappears and her father is accused of the murder.  To complicate matters Rue thinks she is seeing things, as strange fairy-like creatures start appearing everywhere she goes. Is she crazy?  Is there really a parallel fairy world?  Do the fairies have anything to do with her mother's disappearance? 

A good story, and detailed black and white illustrations.  The book has sort of a gothic feel to it.  The author Holly Black has also written the series, the Spiderwick Chronicles & Tithe so this makes a good crossover title. 

Otomen (vol. 1) / Aya Kanno / 208 pgs /1st in the Series Challenge

Otomen = a guy who does not want to be a girl, but who likes feminine things (like cooking, sewing, cute toys, and shojo manga). 

Asuka Masamune is the captain of the school's judo team and is mysterious and aloof.  He looks like the epitome of masculinity, but underneath he really craves girly things like flowers, cute toys, and girl comics.  Asuka does not want his classmates to find out his secret love of all things feminine, because he has convinced himself that this is bad an not how men should act.  To complicate matters Asuka falls for a tomboyish girl named Ryo who is completely hopeless when it comes to the feminine arts. 

I'm not sure how long this series can run on this gimmick of gender roles before it gets too exaggerated, played-out, or just plain insulting.  There are some funny moments though, as Asuka has cravings to buy cute, girly things and just goes crazy. 

Pride & Prejudice / Jane Austen Adapted by Nancy Butler / 120 pgs.

In the introduction to this Graphic Novel the author, Nancy Butler, flat out writes that Marvel Comics wanted a story that would appeal to girls and get them to buy more comic books.  I don't have a problem with that, nor am I opposed to the Austen classic that they chose.  I just wondered if it was some marketing ploy by Marvel Comics or just plain lack of imagination on the artist's part to make the main character, Lizzy, look exactly like Keira Knightley, who played the Lizzy in the 2005 movie version.


"Why, whatever do you mean?!  I look Absolutely
nothing like that comic book character."

Still, this really was a very nice Graphic Novel Adaption the classic "Pride & Prejudice".  I loved the movie and mini-series based on this novel, but I just could never bring myself to actually READ the 400 page tome.  I know that with only 120 pages, I am still missing a lot to the story, but it was nice to be able to slow down and read some of Austen's words.  In the movies the actors speak so quickly, I find it hard to catch everything they are trying to convey.  Clean, great story, great illustrations that add to the overall package. 

I would recommend this book to anybody that wants to try out a graphic novel and likes literary stories. 
  



Teen Titans: Prime of Life / J.T. Krul, Nicola Scott, Jose Luis, Eduardo Pansica / 200 pgs.

Cassie aka "Supergirl" gets a distress call from her mother and she takes her team of superhero pals called the "Teen Titans" to Pakistan to investigate.  Supergirl's mom is an archaeologist and a few of her workers has mysteriously disappeared from the site they have been digging in.  While searching the archaeological site the Titans are transported to a demonic realm where they face off against Rankor the demon from the Hindu legend the Ramayana.

It was nice that some background to the story of the Ramayana was included.  I had heard of the story, but know nothing about it.  So, I really enjoyed the fact that a pop culture title like "Teen Titans" would include something that many American kids would not normally know about.  I am more than sure that this book is only loosely using the Hindu legend, but then again, this is a superhero story, so we are not really looking for facts and accuracy.  Hopefully, this will spark the interest of some teens and they will want to research and read more about the Ramayana.  I know I do.
 

Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 3 / Rei Toma / 186 pgs.

Princess Nakaba of Senan is warming up to the idea of her political marriage with Prince Caesar.  However, her loyal servant Loki is still mistrustful and spiteful towards the Prince.  A new visitor to the palace helps Princess Nakaba uncover and develop her mystical power called the "Arcana of Time", which is activated when the Princess sees blood. 

Mercury / Hope Larson / 234 pgs.

Set in 1859 and Present Day, the novel alternates between the stories of two girls.  The latter is about a young girl named Josey Fraser who falls for a dark and mysterious stranger who convinces her family that he can find and mine gold on their land.  The other story is about Tara Fraser (a descendant of Josey) whose longstanding family home burnt down and is now living with her cousin and going to a new school.  The two stories are tied together by the family's history and land.  There is a bit of magical realism and this book reads almost like a ghost story. 

A good recommendation for anyone who likes mysteries, treasure hunting or ghost stories. 

Dawn of the Arcana, vol. 2 / Rei Toma / 172 pgs.

Prince Caesar is trying to figure out what he can buy Princess Nakaba to make her happy.  But, nothing he can say, do, nor buy is going to change the fact that they are enemies from warring countries, who were forced to marry to keep the peace.  However, Princess Nakaba has started to have prophetic dreams and in some of them Prince Caesar gets wounded or killed.  Will Nakaba do anything to save him?  

I am also reading "The Girl of Fire and Thorns" by Rae Carson, which is also a YA novel about a princess stuck in a political marriage and a love triangle between her the Prince and the Servant.  Needless to say I keep confusing the plotlines between the two series.  So I guess you could say these two series are good "read a likes". 

Vampire Kisses: Graveyard Games, vol. 1 / Ellen Schreiber / 160 pgs. / 1st in a Series Challenge

I had heard of the YA series "Vampire Kisses" and I thought this was book one, but it turns out this is book
one of a new story arc.   It wasn't hard to follow along, since the book quickly mentions previous events and there is a character introduction included in the first pages of the book. The story is clean, meaning no blood, nudity, or even violence; which is rare for a "Vampire" story.  The only concern, or rather just plain annoyance, is that the main character, Raven, is always sneaking off to hug and hang on her boyfriend, and she's always daydreaming and talking about him.  Its kind of like having that friend who is in a new relationship and all she does is talk and spend time with her new boyfriend.  The lovey-dovey stuff just really gets old after awhile.

In this volume, Raven, her Vampire boyfriend Alexander, and their Vampire and non-Vampire friends, join the local community theater to put on the play Cinderella.  Alexander's Vampire cousin Claude, has decided to stay in town and not return to Romania.  So it is up to Raven and Alexander to keep an eye on him and figure out what he and his gang are up to.

A Clean Recommendation for Teens.

Beautiful Creatures: The Manga / Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl / 240 pgs

Ethan falls for the new girl in school, Lena, who is beautiful and has magic powers.  Lena is a "Caster" which is kind of like a witch and on her upcoming 16th birthday she will find out if she will be claimed by the light or by the dark side. 

This is a pretty straightforward clichéd teen romance;  Ethan and Lena have a past life connection, Lena's overprotective Uncle is keeping secrets from her, Ethan and Lena's family don't want the two to have a romantic relationship, and so on.  There is plenty of teenage drama and tears, breakups, rescues, you know the drill.   I can tell that this graphic novel was trying to pack a lot into 200 pages so it felt like you were reading an abbreviated version of the story.  (Though, I don't think I could stand an extra 100 pages)

The artwork was basic line drawing, some of the characters looked to much like other characters so it was hard to distinguish between the two.  The art was detailed enough to keep my interest and of good quality (the figures were proportionate, there were facial expressions), but I would not call it outstanding. 

Still, Teenagers who loved Twilight, will most likely eat this up; the novel, manga, or movie.  And the graphic novel was clean enough to recommend to any YA (no sex, no nudity, no language, no gory violence).

Dawn of the Arcana (vol. 1) / Rei Toma / 187 pgs. / 1st in a Series!

Princess Nakaba is in a forced arranged marriage with Prince Caesar in order to keep their two warring countries at peace for a few years.  Prince Caesar is powerful and handsome, but also selfish and possessive.  He constantly berates and teases Nakaba and tries to control her.  Nakaba's only friend is her loyal servant Loki.  Loki is in the lowest class of society as he is half human and half dog, but he is willing to do anything to protect her.

This series is setting up for a love triangle that teen girls will love.  Although I am not excited about the idea that the princess will feel attracted to the powerful, good looking, but controlling, mean jerk of a prince.  The idea that the worse the guy treats the girl the more she wants him is NOT the message I would want to be sending.   But, I may be assuming to much, time will tell, that is if I continue to read this series.

Thor the Mighty Avenger vol. 2 / Roger Langridge/128 pages

I read this volume because I read vol.1 as it was recommended for Top Ten Best Graphic Novels for Teens from Booklist.  I liked the first volume and was certain I would like the second volume.  However, I still had issues with the 1962 comics they slipped in the back of the volume. The writing of todays Thor is just so much better than the writing from 50 years ago.  And modern technology has made the illustrations just so much more vibrant.  A good read for the most part.

Thor: The Mighty Avenger vol. 1/Roger Langridge/128 pages

I read this because it was listed as one of YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens (Top Ten - 2012) and a Top Ten Graphic Novel for Youth (Booklist) (2012).  In general, I am not a big fan of graphic novels or comics, but am attempting to broaden my reader's advisory of this genre.  The first graphic novel I read thusly did not endear me to the genre, but I think I might change my mind after reading Thor.   Having seen the recent movies, it was quite an entertaining read.  It tells of a re-imagined beginning for the hero Thor and Jane that parallels the main events from the movie, Thor.  The artwork was very good as well as the storyline.  An addition at the end of the graphic novel is the original 2 stories from the 1960s.  I got quite a giggle to see how far comics and graphic novels have come in the past 50 years.  Happy to say it was a big improvement.  It also made me think that I might be judging my like/dislike of the genre base on what was available when I was younger.  If that is the case, I am more than happy to give graphic novels another try.