COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
AUG168025 4001 AD WAR MOTHER #1 2ND PTG $3.99
AUG161862 A CENTAURS LIFE GN VOL 10 (MR) $13.99
SEP162073 A&A #9 CVR A LEVEL $3.99
SEP162074 A&A #9 CVR B SCHKADE $3.99
SEP161456 ADVENTURE TIME #58 $3.99
SEP161457 ADVENTURE TIME #58 SUBSCRIPTION JACK VAR $3.99
AUG161102 ALTERS #2 (MR) $3.99
AUG161230 ARCHIE 75TH ANNIV DIGEST #3 $6.99
AUG161232 ARCHIE GIANT COMICS 75TH ANNIV TP $7.99
AUG161252 ASPEN UNIVERSE REVELATIONS #4 10 COPY INCV $PI
AUG161250 ASPEN UNIVERSE REVELATIONS #4 CVR A GUNDERSON $3.99
AUG161251 ASPEN UNIVERSE REVELATIONS #4 CVR B STEIGERWALD $3.99
SEP161933 ASSASSINS CREED AWAKENING #1 (OF 6) BLANK SKETCH VAR (MR) $4.99
SEP161928 ASSASSINS CREED AWAKENING #1 (OF 6) CVR A KENJI (MR) $4.99
SEP161929 ASSASSINS CREED AWAKENING #1 (OF 6) CVR B KENJI (MR) $4.99
SEP161930 ASSASSINS CREED AWAKENING #1 (OF 6) CVR C LEONG (MR) $4.99
SEP161931 ASSASSINS CREED AWAKENING #1 (OF 6) CVR D BROWN (MR) $4.99
SEP161932 ASSASSINS CREED AWAKENING #1 (OF 6) CVR E LEE (MR) $4.99
JUN161782 ASSASSINS CREED TEMPLARS TP VOL 01 (MR) $14.99
JUN161075 AT THE SHORE GN $19.99
SEP161169 AWAKE #8 $3.99
SEP161460 BELLADONNA #2 (MR) $5.99
SEP161463 BELLADONNA #2 BLOOD LUST CVR (MR) $5.99
SEP161472 BELLADONNA #2 BLOOD LUST NUDE CVR (MR) $7.99
SEP161465 BELLADONNA #2 KILLER BODY CVR (MR) $5.99
SEP161469 BELLADONNA #2 KILLER BODY NUDE CVR (MR) $7.99
SEP161468 BELLADONNA #2 NUDE CVR (MR) $7.99
SEP161462 BELLADONNA #2 SHIELD MAIDEN CVR (MR) $5.99
SEP161470 BELLADONNA #2 SHIELD MAIDEN NUDE CVR (MR) $7.99
SEP161461 BELLADONNA #2 WRAP CVR (MR) $5.99
SEP161471 BELLADONNA #2 WRAP NUDE CVR (MR) $7.99
JUN161132 BETTY & VERONICA #2 CVR A REG ADAM HUGHES $3.99
JUN161133 BETTY & VERONICA #2 CVR B VAR MACK $3.99
JUN161134 BETTY & VERONICA #2 CVR C VAR SOHN $3.99
JUN161135 BETTY & VERONICA #2 CVR D VAR STOTT $3.99
JUN161136 BETTY & VERONICA #2 CVR E VAR WADA $3.99
AUG161234 BETTY & VERONICA FAIRY TALES TP $10.99
SEP161560 BETTY BOOP #2 CVR A LANGRIDGE $3.99
SEP161561 BETTY BOOP #2 CVR B BONE $3.99
MAY161806 BILAL CENTURYS END HC (MR) $34.99
AUG169433 BLACK #1 2ND PTG (MR) $3.99
AUG161290 BLACK #2 (MR) $3.99
SEP161197 BRIGANDS #1 (OF 5) CVR A SINGH (MR) $3.99
SEP161198 BRIGANDS #1 (OF 5) CVR B RADHAKRISHNAN (MR) $4.99
SEP162088 CAVEBOY DAVE YR GN VOL 01 MORE SCRAWNY THAN BRAWNY $12.99
JUL161216 CAVEWOMAN ANKHAS REVENGE #1 (OF 3) CVR A MASSEY $3.99
JUL161217 CAVEWOMAN ANKHAS REVENGE #1 (OF 3) CVR B MASSEY $PI
JUL161222 CAVEWOMAN ANKHAS REVENGE #1 (OF 3) CVR G WILLIAMS $PI
AUG161740 CELLS AT WORK GN VOL 01 $12.99
SEP161981 CHIMERA BRIGADE #2 (OF 4) CVR A DI MEO $3.99
SEP161982 CHIMERA BRIGADE #2 (OF 4) CVR B QUALANO $3.99
SEP161983 CHIMERA BRIGADE #2 (OF 4) CVR C BURNS $3.99
SEP161765 CHRONOS FILES TIME TRIAL TP VOL 01 $14.95
SEP161766 CIRQUE AMERICAN GIRL OVER PARIS VOL 01 $14.95
SEP161733 CLOUD RIDERS GN PRINCE MAMBO & THE LIGHTNING CASTERS $9.99
SEP161797 COMETBUS 57 $5.00
JUN161786 DARK SOULS TP BREATH OF ANDOLUS (MR) $16.99
SEP161923 DARK SOULS WINTERS SPITE #1 (OF 4) CVR A QUAH (MR) $3.99
JUL161196 DAYS MISSING HC VOL 03 ENOX $19.99
SEP161780 DEVIL SURVIVOR GN VOL 08 (MR) $10.99
OCT151411 DF DEADPOOL #1 BLOOD RED NICIEZA SGN $29.99
APR161600 DF SPIDER-MAN DEADPOOL #1 HIP HOP VAR NICIEZA SGN $39.99
APR161599 DF SPIDER-MAN DEADPOOL #1 ULTRA RARE AF VAR NICIEZA SGN $39.99
JUL161568 DF SUPERGIRL #1 ORLANDO SGN $19.59
JAN161429 DF TRUE BELIEVERS DEADPOOL #1 BLOOD RED NICIEZA SGN $29.99
AUG161928 DISHONORED TP $16.99
JUL161992 DISNEY MANGA NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS HC LTD ED $15.99
JUL161909 DOCTOR WHO 10TH TP VOL 04 ENDLESS SONG $14.99
JUL161913 DOCTOR WHO 11TH TP VOL 04 THE THEN AND THE NOW $14.99
AUG161639 EC JOHNNY CRAIG & AL FELDSTEIN VOODOO VENGEANCE HC $29.99
JUN161742 ETERNAL DESCENT SIRIAN ONE SHOT (MR) $3.99
SEP161894 EVIL DEAD 2 REVENGE OF KRAMPUS ONE SHOT $3.99
JUL162190 EVIL HEROES #3 (OF 6) A CVR CHEN (MR) $3.99
JUL162191 EVIL HEROES #3 (OF 6) B CVR KROME (MR) $3.99
JUL162192 EVIL HEROES #3 (OF 6) C CVR MALSUNI (MR) $3.99
JUL162193 EVIL HEROES #3 (OF 6) D CVR RICHARDSON (MR) $3.99
AUG168330 FAITH (ONGOING) #2 2ND PTG $3.99
JUL161116 FEMFORCE #176 $9.95
SEP161782 FIRE FORCE GN VOL 01 $10.99
AUG161570 GALAXYS FOR HIRE #1 (OF 4) CVR A JACKSON $4.99
AUG161571 GALAXYS FOR HIRE #1 (OF 4) CVR B COOK $4.99
AUG168331 GENERATION ZERO #1 2ND PTG $3.99
SEP161879 GIRRION #2 $3.99
SEP161726 GRANT MORRISONS 18 DAYS #17 MAIN CVR $2.99
SEP161727 GRANT MORRISONS 18 DAYS #17 SINGH VAR $2.99
SEP162003 HARD CASE CRIME TRIGGERMAN #2 (OF 5) CVR A RONALD $3.99
SEP162004 HARD CASE CRIME TRIGGERMAN #2 (OF 5) CVR B SCOTT $3.99
SEP162005 HARD CASE CRIME TRIGGERMAN #2 (OF 5) CVR C CALERO $3.99
SEP161827 HILDA & BIRD PARADE GN $10.99
SEP161563 HOMIES #2 (OF 4) CVR A HUERTA $3.99
AUG162135 HOW TO RAISE BORING GIRLFRIEND GN VOL 04 $13.00
SEP161228 IF ANTHOLOGY 2016 $14.99
SEP161565 INTERTWINED #2 (OF 6) CVR A CHUONG (MR) $3.99
SEP161787 INTERVIEWS WITH MONSTER GIRLS GN VOL 01 $12.99
AUG161501 JAMES BOND #11 $3.99
SEP161566 JAMES BOND HAMMERHEAD #2 (OF 6) $3.99
SEP161449 JONESY #8 $3.99
SEP161473 JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #4 (MR) $5.99
SEP161479 JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #4 LUSCIOUS CVR (MR) $5.99
SEP161484 JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #4 LUSCIOUS NUDE CVR (MR) $7.99
SEP161475 JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #4 NATURAL BEAUTY CVR (MR) $5.99
SEP161483 JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #4 NATURAL BEAUTY NUDE CVR (MR) $7.99
SEP161481 JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #4 NUDE CVR (MR) $7.99
SEP161478 JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #4 SULTRY CVR (MR) $5.99
SEP161485 JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #4 SULTRY NUDE CVR (MR) $7.99
SEP161474 JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #4 WRAP CVR (MR) $5.99
SEP161482 JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #4 WRAP NUDE CVR (MR) $7.99
JUL161336 KLAUS HC $34.99
AUG168306 LCSD 2016 ARCHIE MEETS RAMONES ONE SHOT $4.99
AUG168307 LCSD 2016 BLACK HOOD SEASON 2 #1 (MR) $3.99
AUG168308 LCSD 2016 DISCIPLES HC VOL 01 (MR) $24.99
AUG168303 LCSD 2016 DOLLFACE #1 $4.99
AUG168309 LCSD 2016 GODKILLER DELUXE HC $39.99
AUG168316 LCSD 2016 INVADER ZIM #0 $9.99
AUG168311 LCSD 2016 KIM AND KIM #1 $3.99
AUG168313 LCSD 2016 KLAUS HC LOCAL COMIC SHOP EXC $39.99
AUG168317 LCSD 2016 RICK & MORTY #2 TREASURY ED $14.99
AUG168305 LCSD 2016 ROUGH RIDERS NATION #1 $3.99
AUG168315 LCSD 2016 THE TICK (ONE SHOT) $4.99
AUG168318 LCSD 2016 WARHAMMER 40000 WILL OF IRON #1 (OF 4) $3.99
AUG168314 LCSD 2016 WWE LTD ED BUNDLE $49.99
SEP161595 LONE RANGER GREEN HORNET #5 (OF 5) $3.99
AUG161637 LOOKING FOR AMERICAS DOG HC (MR) $22.99
SEP161441 LUMBERJANES GOTHAM ACADEMY #6 MAIN CVR $3.99
SEP161442 LUMBERJANES GOTHAM ACADEMY #6 SUBSCRIPTION MATTHEWS VAR $3.99
JUL161204 MCCANDLESS AND COMPANY ONE SHOT $4.99
SEP161390 MEGA PRINCESS #1 $3.99
AUG161054 MIRACULOUS #6 CVR A $4.99
AUG161055 MIRACULOUS #6 CVR B $4.99
SEP161177 MIRACULOUS TALES OF LADYBUG CAT NOIR TP VOL 02 SPOTS ON $9.99
AUG161748 MISSIONS OF LOVE GN VOL 13 $10.99
JUL161356 MOUSE GUARD LEGEND OF THE GUARD BOX SET $59.99
SEP161385 NAMESAKE #1 $3.99
AUG161750 NEO PARASYTE F GN (MR) $13.99
SEP162084 NICHIJOU GN VOL 05 $10.95
MAY161746 NIOBE SHE IS LIFE #4 $3.99
AUG161695 PAYBACKS #4 $3.50
JUN161819 PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR TP ELITEST OF ELITE $12.99
JUN161015 PRINCELESS RAVEN PIRATE PRINCESS #11 $3.99
AUG161752 PRINCESS JELLYFISH GN VOL 03 $19.99
SEP162122 RANMA 1/2 2IN1 TP VOL 17 $14.99
SEP162118 REQUIEM OF THE ROSE KING GN VOL 05 $9.99
SEP162124 RIN-NE GN VOL 22 $9.99
JUN161811 SAMURAI TP VOL 01 (OF 2) ISLE WITH NO NAME $14.99
AUG161204 SHIELD (DARK CIRCLE) #4 JOHNSON REG CVR A (RES) (MR) $3.99
AUG161205 SHIELD (DARK CIRCLE) #4 ROBINSON VAR CVR B (RES) (MR) $3.99
SEP161218 SHIPWRECK #2 $3.99
AUG161240 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #288 CVR A REG SPAZIANTE $3.99
AUG161241 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #288 CVR B VAR GENEVIEVE FT $3.99
SEP161437 SONS OF ANARCHY REDWOOD ORIGINAL #4 (MR) $3.99
SEP161438 SONS OF ANARCHY REDWOOD ORIGINAL #4 SUBSCRIPTION PIZZARI VAR $3.99
SEP161844 SPACE BATTLE LUNCHTIME #6 (OF 8) $3.99
AUG162152 SPIRIT HUNTERS #1 (OF 12) CVR A CHEN (MR) $3.99
AUG162153 SPIRIT HUNTERS #1 (OF 12) CVR B TOLIBAO (MR) $3.99
AUG162154 SPIRIT HUNTERS #1 (OF 12) CVR C WATSON (MR) $3.99
AUG162155 SPIRIT HUNTERS #1 (OF 12) CVR D LEISTER (MR) $3.99
SEP161380 SPONGEBOB COMICS #62 $3.99
AUG161136 STARGATE ATLANTIS BACK TO PEGASUS #1 SIGNED 5 BOOK FAN SET $35.00
SEP161369 SUMMERLAND GN (MR) $9.00
JUL161973 TANK GIRL 2 GIRLS 1 TANK TP (MR) $14.99
SEP161912 TEN COUNT GN VOL 02 (MR) $12.99
JUN161690 TERMINARCH ONE SHOT (MR) $6.99
AUG161754 THAT WOLF BOY IS MINE GN VOL 02 $10.99
SEP161800 THE CASTOFFS #2 $2.99
SEP161373 THE FOREVERS #2 (MR) $3.99
AUG161151 THE INSPECTOR PINK FILES #1 DEUX DEUX CVR $3.99
AUG161149 THE INSPECTOR PINK FILES #1 MAIN CVR $3.99
AUG161150 THE INSPECTOR PINK FILES #1 SUB CVR $3.99
SEP161918 THE MUMMY (HAMMER) #1 (OF 5) BLANK SKETCH VAR $3.99
SEP161913 THE MUMMY (HAMMER) #1 (OF 5) CVR A MCCREA $3.99
SEP161914 THE MUMMY (HAMMER) #1 (OF 5) CVR B MANDRAKE $3.99
SEP161915 THE MUMMY (HAMMER) #1 (OF 5) CVR C FREIRE $3.99
SEP161916 THE MUMMY (HAMMER) #1 (OF 5) CVR D RUIZ $3.99
SEP161917 THE MUMMY (HAMMER) #1 (OF 5) CVR E ZORNOW $3.99
SEP161266 THREE STOOGES BOYS ARE BACK SIGNED COMPLETE FAN SET $26.00
SEP162120 TIGER & BUNNY GN VOL 09 $9.99
APR161903 TWISTED DARK GN VOL 05 $14.99
SEP161794 UQ HOLDER GN VOL 09 $10.99
JUL161867 USERNAME REGENERATED GN $17.95
SEP161200 VAMPBLADE #10 CVR A YOUNG (MR) $3.99
SEP161201 VAMPBLADE #10 CVR B WINSTON YOUNG RISQUE (MR) $4.99
SEP161202 VAMPBLADE #10 CVR C BATBLADE (MR) $4.99
SEP161203 VAMPBLADE #10 CVR D BATBLADE RISQUE (MR) $4.99
SEP161204 VAMPBLADE #10 CVR E ELECTION (MR) $4.99
SEP161205 VAMPBLADE #10 CVR F ELECTION RISQUE (MR) $4.99
AUG161765 VOLTRON LEGENDARY DEFENDER #4 (OF 4) $2.99
SEP161941 WARHAMMER 40000 WILL OF IRON #2 (OF 4) CVR A LISTRANI $3.99
SEP161942 WARHAMMER 40000 WILL OF IRON #2 (OF 4) CVR B BOBROWSKI $3.99
SEP161943 WARHAMMER 40000 WILL OF IRON #2 (OF 4) CVR C BETTIN $3.99
SEP161944 WARHAMMER 40000 WILL OF IRON #2 (OF 4) CVR D PERCIVAL $3.99
SEP161945 WARHAMMER 40000 WILL OF IRON #2 (OF 4) CVR E QUALANO $3.99
SEP162077 WRATH OF THE ETERNAL WARRIOR #13 CVR A BARRIONUEVO $3.99
SEP162078 WRATH OF THE ETERNAL WARRIOR #13 CVR B STRAHM $3.99
SEP161381 WWE THEN NOW FOREVER #1 MAIN CVRS A & B $3.99
SEP161382 WWE THEN NOW FOREVER #1 MAIN CVRS C & D $3.99
SEP161383 WWE THEN NOW FOREVER #1 MAIN CVRS E & F $3.99
AUG161756 YOUR LIE IN APRIL GN VOL 10 $10.99
MAGAZINES
AUG161692 HEAVY METAL #283 CVR A (MR) $7.95
AUG161693 HEAVY METAL #283 CVR B (MR) $7.95
AUG161694 HEAVY METAL #283 CVR C (MR) $7.95
APR162362 RUE MORGUE MAGAZINE #172 $9.95
BOOKS
SEP161873 2000 AD SCRIPT BOOK SC $24.99
SEP162212 COLLECTING W KIDS HT INSPIRE INTRIGUE GD YOUNG COLLECTORS (C $17.99
JUN161505 COMICS JOURNAL LIBRARY TP VOL 10 EC ARTISTS PT 2 $34.99
SEP161695 GAZE OF DRIFTING SKIES SC TREASURY BIRDS EYE CARTOON $29.99
AUG161787 HOW TO SURVIVE IN THE NORTH HC $22.95
JUL161989 JAMES BOND CLASSIC COLLECTION HC VOL 01 DR NO 1958-1960 $39.95
JUL161215 LASER MOOSE AND RABBIT BOY GN $9.99
AUG161643 MORE HEROES OF COMICS HC PORTRAITS PIONEERING LEGENDS $34.99
JUN161862 REMINISCENCE KWANG HYUN KIM FREEZING ILLUST SC $39.99
SEP162207 SWEET THINGS PINUPS BY KEITH GARVEY LTD ED W PRINT (MR) $24.95
MAY162067 WALKING DEAD BLOOD GLOBE KIT $12.95
SEP163182 WARHAMMER 40K SABBAT MARTYR SC $16.00
SEP163183 WARHAMMER 40K SONS OF CORAX SC $16.00
[“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”]
Monday, November 7, 2016
Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for November 9, 2016
Labels:
AfterShock,
Archie Comics,
Book News,
BOOM Studios,
comics news,
Diamond Distributors,
Disney,
Dynamite Entertainment,
Fantagraphics Books,
Kodansha,
manga news,
Titan Publishing,
TOKYOPOP,
VIZ Media,
Walking Dead
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Review: HOCKEY KARMA Original Grahic Novel
HOCKEY KARMA
ANIMAL MEDIA GROUP
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
STORY: Howard Shapiro – @hockeyplayer
ART: Andres J. Mossa
COLORS: Andres J. Mossa
LETTERS: Ryan Ferrier
ISBN: 978-0-9861489-3-4; paperback (November 1, 2016)
160pp, Color, $14.95 U.S., $17.95 CAN
Hockey Karma is an full-color, original graphic novel written by Howard Shapiro; drawn and colored by Andres Mossa; and lettered by Ryan Ferrier. Published by Animal Media Group, Hockey Karma is the third graphic novel in the Forever Friends Trilogy. This final installment focuses on an aging hockey star and his frustrated best friend.
As Hockey Karma begins, hockey star, Jeremiah “Jake” Jacobson, is struggling with his place on the team for which he has been a star for 14 seasons, the Bay City Blades. Thirty-two-years old and struggling with injuries, Jake has focused his ire on fast-rising newcomer, Barclay Pedersen, an 18-year-old rookie. As Jake sinks deeper into bitterness, his wife, Felicity, notices that Jake is practically absent from the lives of her and their two children. Can Jake stop his downward spiral?
Meanwhile, Tom Leonard, Jake's best friend and agent, is struggling to get a charitable organization started. Jake was supposed to help him, but is uber-focused on preserving his fading career. Tom begins to realize that he might be on his on, and a chance encounter with a former flame who might help Tom discover the power of believing in himself. Can Tom step out of Jake's shadow?
I have not read the previous entries in the Forever Friends Trilogy, Stereotypical Freaks and The Hockey Saint. I received a copy-for-review of Hockey Karma and the press materials helped me focus on this third novel rather than on the other two. Still, I think any reader can find Hockey Karma enjoyable without reading the other comics before it.
Writer Howard Shapiro presents Hockey Karma in fairly hot and cold terms. This is a character, family, friendship, and workplace drama without tears. Shapiro makes the characters blunt about their shortcomings. There are no teary interventions; the character with an addiction is presented with the resolution in stark terms. The book offers a rah-rah, happy ending that might make even Walt Disney roll his eyes, but the characters have earned it because it did not come easy.
I recognized artist Andres Mossa's name from his work as a colorist on some of Marvel Comics' Star Wars comic book series. Mossa is not a grand master of figure drawing, but his characters have a poignant human quality about them. Also, it is hard not to like Mossa's dazzling colors.
On the title page for each chapter, Howard Shapiro offers “recommended listening,” songs that he thinks could be the right soundtrack for that particular chapter. The songs are a collection of classic and modern rock songs and selections from alt-rock and college radio. I don't think that Hockey Karma needs a soundtrack, although there are a few times when it needs an injection of drama.
Hockey Karma moves to its own beat, digging into themes of friendship, life changes, and intimate relationships. And that beat engages the reader until its satisfying final chapters and last panel. Hockey Karma is not perfect, but it has heart and its emotions feel genuine.
www.animalmediagroup.com
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
----------------------
ANIMAL MEDIA GROUP
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
STORY: Howard Shapiro – @hockeyplayer
ART: Andres J. Mossa
COLORS: Andres J. Mossa
LETTERS: Ryan Ferrier
ISBN: 978-0-9861489-3-4; paperback (November 1, 2016)
160pp, Color, $14.95 U.S., $17.95 CAN
Hockey Karma is an full-color, original graphic novel written by Howard Shapiro; drawn and colored by Andres Mossa; and lettered by Ryan Ferrier. Published by Animal Media Group, Hockey Karma is the third graphic novel in the Forever Friends Trilogy. This final installment focuses on an aging hockey star and his frustrated best friend.
As Hockey Karma begins, hockey star, Jeremiah “Jake” Jacobson, is struggling with his place on the team for which he has been a star for 14 seasons, the Bay City Blades. Thirty-two-years old and struggling with injuries, Jake has focused his ire on fast-rising newcomer, Barclay Pedersen, an 18-year-old rookie. As Jake sinks deeper into bitterness, his wife, Felicity, notices that Jake is practically absent from the lives of her and their two children. Can Jake stop his downward spiral?
Meanwhile, Tom Leonard, Jake's best friend and agent, is struggling to get a charitable organization started. Jake was supposed to help him, but is uber-focused on preserving his fading career. Tom begins to realize that he might be on his on, and a chance encounter with a former flame who might help Tom discover the power of believing in himself. Can Tom step out of Jake's shadow?
I have not read the previous entries in the Forever Friends Trilogy, Stereotypical Freaks and The Hockey Saint. I received a copy-for-review of Hockey Karma and the press materials helped me focus on this third novel rather than on the other two. Still, I think any reader can find Hockey Karma enjoyable without reading the other comics before it.
Writer Howard Shapiro presents Hockey Karma in fairly hot and cold terms. This is a character, family, friendship, and workplace drama without tears. Shapiro makes the characters blunt about their shortcomings. There are no teary interventions; the character with an addiction is presented with the resolution in stark terms. The book offers a rah-rah, happy ending that might make even Walt Disney roll his eyes, but the characters have earned it because it did not come easy.
I recognized artist Andres Mossa's name from his work as a colorist on some of Marvel Comics' Star Wars comic book series. Mossa is not a grand master of figure drawing, but his characters have a poignant human quality about them. Also, it is hard not to like Mossa's dazzling colors.
On the title page for each chapter, Howard Shapiro offers “recommended listening,” songs that he thinks could be the right soundtrack for that particular chapter. The songs are a collection of classic and modern rock songs and selections from alt-rock and college radio. I don't think that Hockey Karma needs a soundtrack, although there are a few times when it needs an injection of drama.
Hockey Karma moves to its own beat, digging into themes of friendship, life changes, and intimate relationships. And that beat engages the reader until its satisfying final chapters and last panel. Hockey Karma is not perfect, but it has heart and its emotions feel genuine.
www.animalmediagroup.com
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
----------------------
Monday, October 24, 2016
Review: PLATINUM END Volume 1
PLATINUM END, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia
STORY: Tsugumi Ohba
ARTIST: Takeshi Obata
TRANSLATION: Stephen Paul
LETTERS: James Gaubatz
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9063-9; paperback (October 2016); Rated “M” for “Mature”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
Platinum End is the new manga from the mangaka team of writer Tsugumi Ohba and artist Takeshi Obata. They are best known for their bestselling and controversial manga, Death Note, and also for the insider manga, Bakuman。.
Platinum End, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 3) introduces orphan Mirai Kakehashi. He is tired of life and attempts suicide by jumping from the roof of a building. Instead of dying, Mirai is saved by an angel named Nasse. Through her, Mirai learns that 13 humans have been chosen as candidates to replace God. Each has a guardian angel, and Nasse is Mirai's.
Nasse gives Mirai the “angel's arrow” which can make anyone, male or female, hit with that arrow love Mirai for 33 days. She gives him wings that allow him the freedom to go anywhere he wants. The problem is that these new powers and this God candidate contest both have a dark side.
The Platinum End manga, like the Death Note manga, is shockingly edgy. It is obvious from the beginning that this new manga by the Ohba-Obata team will be dark, but by the end of this volume's three chapters (which are rather longish), events reveal a sinister mood that is beyond the obvious.
Platinum End Volume 1 is the kind of first volume that practically forces the reader to return for more. And I love this sinister. Dear reader, I should admit that I am a huge fan of Ohba and Obata's Bakuman。and plan to read it again. I think that Obata certainly deserves his nickname, “the god of drawing;” he is that good. Trust me, however; Platinum End is going to be a helluva manga, and it has a heckuva first volume.
A
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
----------------
Labels:
Alexis Kirsch,
manga,
Review,
shonen,
Shonen Jump,
Stephen Paul,
Takeshi Obata,
Tsugumi Ohba,
VIZ Media
Monday, October 10, 2016
Review: SIMPSONS COMICS COLOSSAL COMPENDIUM Volume 4
SIMPSONS COMICS COLOSSAL COMPENDIUM VOLUME 4
HARPERCOLLINS/Harper Design
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
WRITERS: Tom Gammill & Henry Gammill; Brian Houlihan; Mary Trainor; Max Davison; Sergio Aragones; and others
PENCILS: Mike Kazaleh; John Delaney; James Lloyd; Tone Rodriguez; Kassandra Heller; Sergio Aragones; and others
INKS: Andrew Pepoy; Mike Kazaleh; Dan Davis; Sergio Aragones; and others
COLORS: Art Villanueva; Nathan Hamill; Kassandra Heller; and others
LETTERS: Karen Bates
COVER: Matt Groening
ISBN: 978-0-06-242326-9; paperback (July 5, 2016)
176pp, Color, $17.99 U.S., $21.99 CAN
“The Simpsons” is an American animated television sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. “The Simpsons” began in 1987 as a series of animated shorts that were part of the comedy variety television program, “The Tracey Ullman Show.” The shorts were eventually developed into a half-hour animated TV series and began being broadcast on Fox in December of the 1989-90 television season. “The Simpsons” continues to this day, and Fox has ordered new episodes into 2018.
“The Simpsons” present a satirical depiction of a working class family which consists of Homer Simpson (the father), Marge Simpson (the mother), Bart (the oldest child and only son), Lisa (the precocious and brilliant elder daughter), and Maggie (a baby girl). “The Simpsons” also parodies American culture, pop culture, society, politics, media, etc. via the denizens of The Simpsons home town, Springfield.
In 1993, Matt Groening, Bill Morrison, and Steve and Cindy Vance founded Bongo Comics Group (or simply Bongo Comics). Over the course of more than two decades, Bongo Comics has published numerous comic book series and single-issue publications based on “The Simpsons.” The comic books have starred and featured all the characters that are part of this franchise, from the Simpsons clan to the various supporting characters, including Ralph Wiggum and his father, Chief Wiggum; Itchy & Scratchy; Krusty the Clown, Duffman, McBain, and Mr. Burns and Smithers, to name a few.
Since 2013, Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins, has been publishing Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium. This is a paperback graphic novel (or trade paperback) series which reprints select comic book stories starring characters from “The Simpsons” that were originally published by Bongo Comics. Harper Design recently published Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium Volume 4 (July 2016).
It has been at least a decade since I last read a Simpsons comic book (although I have read one since I finished this book). I always enjoyed them, so I don't know why I stopped. Bongo Comics consistently delivers high-quality comic books that capture the spirit of “The Simpsons” television series. I was intrigued when Harper Design sent me a copy of Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium Volume 4.
Right from the start, Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium Volume 4 delivers a bang with the story “Donut Disturb,” which follows Bart and Lisa's battle to win the “Donut Kid of the Year” contest. This contest is put on by “Lard Lad,” the immensely popular donut chain, and this contest has plenty of wacky contestants. However, the true fun and the best satirical moments come after the winner claims the crown, which hangs heavy on the head.
Mike Kazaleh, one of my all-time favorite cartoonists, draws the Chuck Jones-inspired “The Man of the House.” The story makes me think that the true comedic potential of Ralph Wiggum really has not been tapped. Also, “Sun Burns” shows Mr. Burns in all his grubby Rupert Murdoch-like glory, but the story also showcases the plucky side of the brainy Lisa Simpson.
Writer Sherri L. Smith and artist Kassandra Heller present a wonderful Lisa Simpson tale, entitled “Lisa's Lending Library.” Heller's pastel like illustrations give this story a fairy tale-like aura. MAD Magazine legend and Groo the Wanderer creator, Sergio Aragones, offers the delightful two-page “Maggie's Crib,” which shows the toddler's mischievous side. The Judge Dredd parody, “Judge Redneck,” is an unexpected and clever treat.
You don't have to be a fan of “The Simpsons” to like Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium Volume 4, but if you like good humor comics, you need an occasional jolt of Simpsons comic books in your reading life. The creators and editors behind Bongo Comics' Simpsons comics are as good at humorous parody and satire as any other humor comics creator – and better in most cases. So that is what the Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium series is here to do – fill your comedy and humor comics needs.
A
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
-----------------------
HARPERCOLLINS/Harper Design
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
WRITERS: Tom Gammill & Henry Gammill; Brian Houlihan; Mary Trainor; Max Davison; Sergio Aragones; and others
PENCILS: Mike Kazaleh; John Delaney; James Lloyd; Tone Rodriguez; Kassandra Heller; Sergio Aragones; and others
INKS: Andrew Pepoy; Mike Kazaleh; Dan Davis; Sergio Aragones; and others
COLORS: Art Villanueva; Nathan Hamill; Kassandra Heller; and others
LETTERS: Karen Bates
COVER: Matt Groening
ISBN: 978-0-06-242326-9; paperback (July 5, 2016)
176pp, Color, $17.99 U.S., $21.99 CAN
“The Simpsons” is an American animated television sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. “The Simpsons” began in 1987 as a series of animated shorts that were part of the comedy variety television program, “The Tracey Ullman Show.” The shorts were eventually developed into a half-hour animated TV series and began being broadcast on Fox in December of the 1989-90 television season. “The Simpsons” continues to this day, and Fox has ordered new episodes into 2018.
“The Simpsons” present a satirical depiction of a working class family which consists of Homer Simpson (the father), Marge Simpson (the mother), Bart (the oldest child and only son), Lisa (the precocious and brilliant elder daughter), and Maggie (a baby girl). “The Simpsons” also parodies American culture, pop culture, society, politics, media, etc. via the denizens of The Simpsons home town, Springfield.
In 1993, Matt Groening, Bill Morrison, and Steve and Cindy Vance founded Bongo Comics Group (or simply Bongo Comics). Over the course of more than two decades, Bongo Comics has published numerous comic book series and single-issue publications based on “The Simpsons.” The comic books have starred and featured all the characters that are part of this franchise, from the Simpsons clan to the various supporting characters, including Ralph Wiggum and his father, Chief Wiggum; Itchy & Scratchy; Krusty the Clown, Duffman, McBain, and Mr. Burns and Smithers, to name a few.
Since 2013, Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins, has been publishing Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium. This is a paperback graphic novel (or trade paperback) series which reprints select comic book stories starring characters from “The Simpsons” that were originally published by Bongo Comics. Harper Design recently published Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium Volume 4 (July 2016).
It has been at least a decade since I last read a Simpsons comic book (although I have read one since I finished this book). I always enjoyed them, so I don't know why I stopped. Bongo Comics consistently delivers high-quality comic books that capture the spirit of “The Simpsons” television series. I was intrigued when Harper Design sent me a copy of Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium Volume 4.
Right from the start, Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium Volume 4 delivers a bang with the story “Donut Disturb,” which follows Bart and Lisa's battle to win the “Donut Kid of the Year” contest. This contest is put on by “Lard Lad,” the immensely popular donut chain, and this contest has plenty of wacky contestants. However, the true fun and the best satirical moments come after the winner claims the crown, which hangs heavy on the head.
Mike Kazaleh, one of my all-time favorite cartoonists, draws the Chuck Jones-inspired “The Man of the House.” The story makes me think that the true comedic potential of Ralph Wiggum really has not been tapped. Also, “Sun Burns” shows Mr. Burns in all his grubby Rupert Murdoch-like glory, but the story also showcases the plucky side of the brainy Lisa Simpson.
Writer Sherri L. Smith and artist Kassandra Heller present a wonderful Lisa Simpson tale, entitled “Lisa's Lending Library.” Heller's pastel like illustrations give this story a fairy tale-like aura. MAD Magazine legend and Groo the Wanderer creator, Sergio Aragones, offers the delightful two-page “Maggie's Crib,” which shows the toddler's mischievous side. The Judge Dredd parody, “Judge Redneck,” is an unexpected and clever treat.
You don't have to be a fan of “The Simpsons” to like Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium Volume 4, but if you like good humor comics, you need an occasional jolt of Simpsons comic books in your reading life. The creators and editors behind Bongo Comics' Simpsons comics are as good at humorous parody and satire as any other humor comics creator – and better in most cases. So that is what the Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium series is here to do – fill your comedy and humor comics needs.
A
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
-----------------------
Labels:
Bongo Comics,
HarperCollins,
Mike Kazaleh,
Review,
Sergio Aragones,
Tone Rodriguez
Monday, October 3, 2016
Review: COUSIN JOSEPH: A Graphic Novel
COUSIN JOSEPH: A Graphic Novel
W.W. NORTON & COMPANY/Liveright – @wwnorton and @LiverightPub
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
CARTOONIST: Jules Feiffer
ISBN: 978-1-63149-065-1; hardcover (August 3, 2016)
128pp, Color, $27.95 U.S., $35.95 CAN
Born in 1929, Jules Feiffer is an American syndicated cartoonist, author, playwright, screenwriter, and comics creator. He may be best known for his long-running comic strip, entitled Feiffer, which ran for 42 years in the venerable New York City weekly, The Village Voice.
Two years ago, Liveright, an imprint of W.W. Norton & Company, published Kill My Mother: A Graphic Novel, a brand-new, Film-Noir inspired graphic novel by Feiffer. Kill My Mother opens in Bay City, California in the year 1933. The story revolves around a woman named Elsie Hannigan and her estranged teenage daughter, Annie, who hates her mother. Elsie is a widower, following the murder of her husband, Sam Hannigan, a policeman. Elsie's life is hectic and complicated. Her boss is her late husband's former partner, Neil Hammond, a hard-drinking, has-been private detective who takes shady jobs. Hammond ends up murdered, the beginning of a mystery spread over a decade.
Feiffer's new comic book is entitled Cousin Joseph: A Graphic Novel, the follow-up to Kill My Mother. Cousin Joseph is set in Bay City in 1931, two years before Kill My Mother opens, and it reveals why and how Sam Hannigan was killed. Detective Sam Hannigan is a bare-knuckled, tough, no-nonsense cop who does not hesitate to use his fists to resolve a case or a dispute. Sam is also a bag-man for a mysterious Hollywood power broker that he knows only as “Cousin Joseph.” Sam delivers payoffs to other Hollywood types for Cousin Joseph, and if they don't comply with Cousin Joseph's demands, Sam also delivers brutal beatings.
Bay City is also roiling with labor unrest. Hardy Knox, owner of the cannery, Knox Works, is facing a strike by his employees who are members of a union led by Billy Doyle. Billy and Sam go way back, but Sam may have to call out his union-busting team, The Red Squad. Sam knows that he is on a mission, but it may be the wrong mission – one that will make him enemies – some close to home and some quite deadly.
The first time I tried to read Kill My Mother, I stopped after a few pages. I avoided the galley/review copy that the publisher Liveright has sent to me. I finally forced myself to read Kill My Mother and ended up loving it. I had no such problems with Cousin Joseph, for which I also received a galley, as I dove right into book.
Cousin Joseph is a quintessential American graphic novel and comic book, something rare. Jules Feiffer not only tackles the complexities of the American dream, he also illustrates how Americans see it differently. He even delves into the notion which some American have that the American dream is not for everyone who lives in America. Only certain people can have the best of America, these people believe. Everyone else: the second class citizens, those with the wrong skin color, those who worship differently; is of an undesirable ethnic origin. Those people have to know their place, and it ain't anywhere near the top. For some, America is about dreams of a place at the top of society and joy of finally reaching that pinnacle. For others, there is struggle and prejudice, and that is the way it should be, almost as if it were part of a natural order in a certain kind of America.
Years ago, I heard an old white lady tell someone that she loved movies like A Few Good Men (1992) because they reflected the best of us (America). I like Cousin Joseph because it skins the American myth raw. This comic book is about the story Americans tell themselves and the whole world, but Americans have no plan to make that myth the real thing.
A
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
-----------------
W.W. NORTON & COMPANY/Liveright – @wwnorton and @LiverightPub
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
CARTOONIST: Jules Feiffer
ISBN: 978-1-63149-065-1; hardcover (August 3, 2016)
128pp, Color, $27.95 U.S., $35.95 CAN
Born in 1929, Jules Feiffer is an American syndicated cartoonist, author, playwright, screenwriter, and comics creator. He may be best known for his long-running comic strip, entitled Feiffer, which ran for 42 years in the venerable New York City weekly, The Village Voice.
Two years ago, Liveright, an imprint of W.W. Norton & Company, published Kill My Mother: A Graphic Novel, a brand-new, Film-Noir inspired graphic novel by Feiffer. Kill My Mother opens in Bay City, California in the year 1933. The story revolves around a woman named Elsie Hannigan and her estranged teenage daughter, Annie, who hates her mother. Elsie is a widower, following the murder of her husband, Sam Hannigan, a policeman. Elsie's life is hectic and complicated. Her boss is her late husband's former partner, Neil Hammond, a hard-drinking, has-been private detective who takes shady jobs. Hammond ends up murdered, the beginning of a mystery spread over a decade.
Feiffer's new comic book is entitled Cousin Joseph: A Graphic Novel, the follow-up to Kill My Mother. Cousin Joseph is set in Bay City in 1931, two years before Kill My Mother opens, and it reveals why and how Sam Hannigan was killed. Detective Sam Hannigan is a bare-knuckled, tough, no-nonsense cop who does not hesitate to use his fists to resolve a case or a dispute. Sam is also a bag-man for a mysterious Hollywood power broker that he knows only as “Cousin Joseph.” Sam delivers payoffs to other Hollywood types for Cousin Joseph, and if they don't comply with Cousin Joseph's demands, Sam also delivers brutal beatings.
Bay City is also roiling with labor unrest. Hardy Knox, owner of the cannery, Knox Works, is facing a strike by his employees who are members of a union led by Billy Doyle. Billy and Sam go way back, but Sam may have to call out his union-busting team, The Red Squad. Sam knows that he is on a mission, but it may be the wrong mission – one that will make him enemies – some close to home and some quite deadly.
The first time I tried to read Kill My Mother, I stopped after a few pages. I avoided the galley/review copy that the publisher Liveright has sent to me. I finally forced myself to read Kill My Mother and ended up loving it. I had no such problems with Cousin Joseph, for which I also received a galley, as I dove right into book.
Cousin Joseph is a quintessential American graphic novel and comic book, something rare. Jules Feiffer not only tackles the complexities of the American dream, he also illustrates how Americans see it differently. He even delves into the notion which some American have that the American dream is not for everyone who lives in America. Only certain people can have the best of America, these people believe. Everyone else: the second class citizens, those with the wrong skin color, those who worship differently; is of an undesirable ethnic origin. Those people have to know their place, and it ain't anywhere near the top. For some, America is about dreams of a place at the top of society and joy of finally reaching that pinnacle. For others, there is struggle and prejudice, and that is the way it should be, almost as if it were part of a natural order in a certain kind of America.
Years ago, I heard an old white lady tell someone that she loved movies like A Few Good Men (1992) because they reflected the best of us (America). I like Cousin Joseph because it skins the American myth raw. This comic book is about the story Americans tell themselves and the whole world, but Americans have no plan to make that myth the real thing.
A
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
-----------------
Monday, September 19, 2016
Yaoi Manga Review: TEN COUNT Volume 1
TEN COUNT, VOL. 1
SUBLIME MANGA (Shinshokan) – @SuBLimeManga
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
MANGAKA: Rihito Takarai
TRANSLATION: Adrienne Beck
LETTERS: NRP Studios
EDITOR: Jennifer LeBlanc
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8802-5; paperback (August 2016); Rated “M” for “Mature”
186pp, B&W, $16.99 U.S., $19.99 CAN, £10.99 UK
Ten Count is a yaoi manga from mangaka, Rihito Takarai. Yaoi manga is a subset of boys' love (or BL) manga, which depicts amorous situations between male romantic leads. Yaoi manga usually features explicit depictions of sex between those male leads. Ten Count focuses on a corporate secretary who is a germaphobe and the counselor who tries to help him.
Ten Count, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 6) introduces Tadaomi Shirotani, the corporate secretary for The Tosawa Company. He has obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and wears gloves so that he does not have to touch people or things. He does not eat at restaurants, nor does he even take the train. He washes his hands so much that they are raw and covered with scars.
One day, the president of The Tosawa Company is in an accident. One of the people involved in the accident is Riku Kurose, a clinical psychotherapist at Shimada Psychiatric Center. Kurose immediately recognizes Shirotani's OCD and offers to take him through a 10-step program to cure him of his compulsion. As they begin the program, Shirotani realizes that his attraction to Kurose grows, causing complications even as he starts to get his compulsion under control.
[This volume includes the Ten Count bonus story, “Kurose, Shirotani, and Hay Fever.”]
There is nothing wrong with a little bump and grind as R&B nasty man, R. Kelly once sang. But neither is there anything wrong with no bump and grind in an oh-so-slow building romance comic book.
In her afterword to Ten Count Volume 1, author Rihito Takarai says the she almost worried that readers would complain about the leisurely pace of the chapters that comprise Vol. 1. I have no such complaints. Considering the concept and central plot of this manga, having the characters quickly engage in sex would seem unrealistic. There is something about the glacier pace of two people who know little about each other slowly falling in love that is super-sexy.
I found it hard to take a pause in reading Ten Count. It is like watching the birth of romance and true love – step by step. There is powerful dramatic tension and good reading in that.
A
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
----------------
SUBLIME MANGA (Shinshokan) – @SuBLimeManga
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
MANGAKA: Rihito Takarai
TRANSLATION: Adrienne Beck
LETTERS: NRP Studios
EDITOR: Jennifer LeBlanc
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8802-5; paperback (August 2016); Rated “M” for “Mature”
186pp, B&W, $16.99 U.S., $19.99 CAN, £10.99 UK
Ten Count is a yaoi manga from mangaka, Rihito Takarai. Yaoi manga is a subset of boys' love (or BL) manga, which depicts amorous situations between male romantic leads. Yaoi manga usually features explicit depictions of sex between those male leads. Ten Count focuses on a corporate secretary who is a germaphobe and the counselor who tries to help him.
Ten Count, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 6) introduces Tadaomi Shirotani, the corporate secretary for The Tosawa Company. He has obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and wears gloves so that he does not have to touch people or things. He does not eat at restaurants, nor does he even take the train. He washes his hands so much that they are raw and covered with scars.
One day, the president of The Tosawa Company is in an accident. One of the people involved in the accident is Riku Kurose, a clinical psychotherapist at Shimada Psychiatric Center. Kurose immediately recognizes Shirotani's OCD and offers to take him through a 10-step program to cure him of his compulsion. As they begin the program, Shirotani realizes that his attraction to Kurose grows, causing complications even as he starts to get his compulsion under control.
[This volume includes the Ten Count bonus story, “Kurose, Shirotani, and Hay Fever.”]
There is nothing wrong with a little bump and grind as R&B nasty man, R. Kelly once sang. But neither is there anything wrong with no bump and grind in an oh-so-slow building romance comic book.
In her afterword to Ten Count Volume 1, author Rihito Takarai says the she almost worried that readers would complain about the leisurely pace of the chapters that comprise Vol. 1. I have no such complaints. Considering the concept and central plot of this manga, having the characters quickly engage in sex would seem unrealistic. There is something about the glacier pace of two people who know little about each other slowly falling in love that is super-sexy.
I found it hard to take a pause in reading Ten Count. It is like watching the birth of romance and true love – step by step. There is powerful dramatic tension and good reading in that.
A
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
----------------
Labels:
Adrienne Beck,
Boys' Love,
manga,
Review,
Rihito Takarai,
Shinshokan,
SuBLime,
VIZ Media,
Yaoi
Monday, September 12, 2016
Manga Review: GOODNIGHT PUNPUN Volume 2
GOODNIGHT PUNPUN, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
MANGAKA: Inio Asano
TRANSLATION/ENGLISH ADAPTATION: JN Productions
LETTERS: Annaliese Christman
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8621-2; paperback (June 2016); Rated “M” for “Mature”
432pp, B&W, $24.99 U.S., $28.99 CAN, £16.99 U.K.
Creator Inio Asano (Solanin, What a Wonderful World!) has a new manga. Entitled Goodnight Punpun, the series is a coming-of-age story that focuses on Punpun Onodera, a boy in middle school and his adolescent trials and tribulations.
VIZ Media is publishing Goodnight Punpun as a seven-volume graphic novel series. Each volume is an over-sized manga paperback containing two individual volumes (called “parts). Goodbye Punpun Vol. 2 contains Part 3 (Chapters 24 to 34) and 4 (Chapters 35 to 46).
In Part 3, Punpun agonizes over former elementary school crush, Aiku Tanaka. They have had no contact for two years and now Aiku seems to be dating Mamoru Yaguichi, Punpun's teammate on the badminton team. Yaguichi, rumored to be well-endowed, also has his own doubts, about both Aiku and badminton, so he is ready to bargain with Punpun about Aiku.
In Part 4, Punpun's uncle, Yuichi Onodera, his mother's younger brother who lives with them, is also going through a crisis. He has seemingly had a reunion involving Midori Okuma, a 25-year-old. She resembles a 16-year-old girl with whom Yuichi once had a trouble/edgy relationship. Meanwhile, Punpun has a chance to be with the girl of his dreams...
The Goodnight Punpun manga is bold and adventurous. It is a teen drama that goes where only the best teen drama comics dare to go. Teen angst, family dysfunction, sex and sexual tension, and social politics bubble and toil under the surface of what looks to be straight-forward adolescent drama and melodrama – but is more..
Truthfully, Goodnight Punpun Volume 2 defies description. It deals with the turmoil and struggles of early teens, of course. However, creator Inio Asano digs hard into the dread that is the uncertain future. The stress of the now always seems to coexist with the unknown shape of things to come. We could always tell the characters to not worry about tomorrow – to simply live in the now. But where is the fun in that? We wouldn't have the wonderful Goodnight Punpun and its constantly agonizing characters if they didn't worry about next year.
A
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
-----------------
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
MANGAKA: Inio Asano
TRANSLATION/ENGLISH ADAPTATION: JN Productions
LETTERS: Annaliese Christman
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8621-2; paperback (June 2016); Rated “M” for “Mature”
432pp, B&W, $24.99 U.S., $28.99 CAN, £16.99 U.K.
Creator Inio Asano (Solanin, What a Wonderful World!) has a new manga. Entitled Goodnight Punpun, the series is a coming-of-age story that focuses on Punpun Onodera, a boy in middle school and his adolescent trials and tribulations.
VIZ Media is publishing Goodnight Punpun as a seven-volume graphic novel series. Each volume is an over-sized manga paperback containing two individual volumes (called “parts). Goodbye Punpun Vol. 2 contains Part 3 (Chapters 24 to 34) and 4 (Chapters 35 to 46).
In Part 3, Punpun agonizes over former elementary school crush, Aiku Tanaka. They have had no contact for two years and now Aiku seems to be dating Mamoru Yaguichi, Punpun's teammate on the badminton team. Yaguichi, rumored to be well-endowed, also has his own doubts, about both Aiku and badminton, so he is ready to bargain with Punpun about Aiku.
In Part 4, Punpun's uncle, Yuichi Onodera, his mother's younger brother who lives with them, is also going through a crisis. He has seemingly had a reunion involving Midori Okuma, a 25-year-old. She resembles a 16-year-old girl with whom Yuichi once had a trouble/edgy relationship. Meanwhile, Punpun has a chance to be with the girl of his dreams...
The Goodnight Punpun manga is bold and adventurous. It is a teen drama that goes where only the best teen drama comics dare to go. Teen angst, family dysfunction, sex and sexual tension, and social politics bubble and toil under the surface of what looks to be straight-forward adolescent drama and melodrama – but is more..
Truthfully, Goodnight Punpun Volume 2 defies description. It deals with the turmoil and struggles of early teens, of course. However, creator Inio Asano digs hard into the dread that is the uncertain future. The stress of the now always seems to coexist with the unknown shape of things to come. We could always tell the characters to not worry about tomorrow – to simply live in the now. But where is the fun in that? We wouldn't have the wonderful Goodnight Punpun and its constantly agonizing characters if they didn't worry about next year.
A
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
-----------------
Labels:
Inio Asano,
JN Productions,
manga,
Review,
VIZ Media,
VIZ Signature
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)