Graphic Saturday: Y The Last Man

Y: The Last Man #1 by Brian K. Vaughan
Art: J.G. Jones, Pia Guerra, Jose Marzan
Published: September 2002 / Vertigo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Purchased
Look for this at goodreads / Amazon / Comixology

One of the things that is relevant in this title is how the storyline is organized. The storyline is done using a sequence of events occurring in different parts of the world. By creating the story this way we can understand the real global impact of the situation formulated in this title.

Y: The Last Man presents as a premise males around the world dying spontaneously, leaving females as the only gender populating the earth. It caused an impact on me as a reader because massive deaths in males in all species would be catastrophic for the evolution and continuity of the species. It would bring the end.

There are so many reasons for me to recommend this graphic novel series to you. Y: The last man has great art on its cover which depicts the evolutionary element intrinsic in the story by including the monkey and the DNA. Colors complement the cover so well. Art inside is good and enhances the narrative. The author created enough mystery around the main character to make me want to return to the series. Why is he surviving? Is he special? I will stop writing about the goodness of this series because it is time for you to look it up and see for yourselves.

You want to know more about artist Pia Guerra visit her at Hellkitty.

For J.G Jones visit Comic Vine 

Find writer Brian K.Vaughan at Panel Syndicate 

Visit Jose Marzan at his Jose Marzan Jr.

About Y: The Last Man

"Unmanned (Part I of V)"

Written by Brian K. Vaughan (Lost, EX MACHINA), this is the saga of Yorick Brown - the only human survivor of a planet-wide plague that instantly kills every mammal with a Y chromosome. Accompanied by his pet monkey, Yorick searches for his lost love...and the answer to why he's the last man on earth.

What have you been reading?  Have you read other works created by this talented group of people?  Did you know that Vaughan created Saga?

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Graphic Saturday! Sex Criminals Vol.1

Sex Criminals, Volume 1: One Weird Trick by Matt Fraction
Published: April, 2014/ Image Comics
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Look for this at goodreads / Amazon / Comixology
Source: I received this copy (vol 1) via Netgalley for review purposes. Issue 1 was purchased.

I describe Sex Criminals as a series without inhibition. It's author took a leap into a daring subject: Sex. My favorite thing about this series is the introduction the author gives to each character because we get to know them from the beginning of their sexual curiosity to their adult age. Suzie is a complicated character. She begins experiencing with sexuality to create a space of her own. Years pass by until she feels empty and alone.Is there more people like her?

Suzie is not alone.

Suzie stops time with sex. LOL! The premise is funny but this graphic novel works it so well. The graphic novel develops a plot around how Suzie and her lover in a Bonnie and Clyde style, take to steal using their abilities. The first Volume has number 1-5. It gives the reader a clear panorama of what Sex Criminals' is all about. It's creators are direct and are pretty sure about what they want they want to do with this series. Every number has amazing covers as well as Vol.1. Colors are perfect for the illustrations. Inside, art is good but not mind blowing. It could use some improvement.

This is a graphic novel I plan on keep reading. I read Suzie Down in the Quiet (no.1) thanks to Comixology. Later the volume was available at Netgalley, which provided me with the opportunity to understand more about this series.

What comic series have you been reading? Have you found any graphic novels you want to recommend?

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Why reading comic books is good for you

   Lately, I have been reading comics more frequently.  Comics are great and it is good to see they are more mainstream now.  I remember when comics where classified as kids's reading material.  You know some years back,  some people I knew, saw comics books as drawings belonging to the newspaper in the kids section.  Probably, they look at comics with the same bridle at present.  In my country we fine comics at the newspaper in the "tirillas comicas" sections.   We see a brief sequence of a character and that is it.  But comics are more than that.

     I have to admit I use to see them as a waste of my time.  Well, all that changed when my husband arrived into my life with his sci fi chariot and a plethora of comic books.   He was my friend back then and one day he came to my home with Sandman, by Neil Gaiman on his hands.  He couldn't recommend the book more, so I read it.  I sat on a sofa and I didn't move until I read that Sandman volume and when I finished I kept thinking about it,  like when you find that book which awakes many ideas inside your head.  Usually when I find a book like that it keeps repeating on my mind for days. Sandman was that for me.

    The story, the world created by Neil Gaiman I still find amazing.  The characters are intriguing and the story makes sense in its weirdness.  I read that volume and since then I  devour comics with the same literary hunger I developed for great books. So, consider this, maybe you don't read comics because you haven't found your Sandman.

     Why reading comic books is good for you? Because, sometimes you simply need great art while you read a great story. Reading comics makes complete sense to me.  With comics, the story is tangible thanks to the depiction created by a clever artist. The story is more vivid for the intensity added by a talented colorist.  Comics or Graphic Novels, call them what you like, are full of possibilities, full of alternate story arts.  Characters have no boundaries and their stories are endless. For example, sometimes you can see Superman's nuptials and sometimes you can see him saving the world. Overall, comics are an insightful media that all of you should try more than once.  I guarantee you, once you try comics, this media will be part of your life.

Why you should read comic books? Because you have to read this books:

• Lucifer
• The Sandman
• JLA
• Revival
• The Walking Dead
• Witchcraft

I will end this post with some enlightning words:

“Words and pictures are yin and yang. Married, they produce a progeny more interesting than either parent.”
― Dr. Seuss

Do you read comics? Have you found your Sandman? Recommend to me some good Comics!

Graphic Saturday! #Review A Bag of Marbles by Joseph Joffo

A Bag of Marbles by Joseph Joffo
Illustrator: Vincent Bailly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Look for this at goodreads / Amazon
Source: Netgalley for an honest review

In 1941 in occupied Paris, brothers Maurice and Joseph play a last game of marbles before running home to their father's barbershop. This is the day that will change their lives forever. With the German occupation threatening their family's safety, the boys' parents decide Maurice and Joseph must disguise themselves and flee to their older brothers in the free zone. Surviving the long journey will take every scrap of ingenuity and courage they can muster. If they hope to elude the Nazis, they must never, under any circumstances, admit to being Jewish.

The boys travel by train, ferry, and on foot, facing threats from strangers and receiving help from unexpected quarters. Along the way they must adapt to the unfamiliar world beyond their city and find a way to be true to themselves even as they conceal their identities.

Based on an autobiographical novel by Joseph Joffo and adapted with the author's input, this true story offers a harrowing but inspiring glimpse of a childhood cut short.

The story begins showing two brothers enjoying just being kids playing marbles. These children lead a normal life until his father sends them to a trip away from Paris, the only place they have known. The father asks them to travel by themselves into the free zone to protect them from the Nazi invasion. During this trip, the children get to know people who help them get to their destination. On this trip, the kids manage to stay one step ahead of the Nazi army by the ingenuity that characterizes them and the kindness of people thye find. Eventually, every member of the family travels while facing difficult situations. This is a story of survival and effort to find a safe place.

This comic is inspired by the story of Joseph Joffo. The tone of the comic is generally suitable for the situations presented. I find contradictory the reactions the characters show while experiencing stressful situations. They show no fear or intense reaction.

The comic kept me constantly reading. Even once I finished, the story remained on my mind.

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Graphic Saturday! Check this comics out

The Deathlings: Anne's Story #1
Writer: Ian Struckhoff
Artists: Manuela Soriani, Michela Da Saco
Color Artist: Juri Hayasaka
Cover by Reuben Negron
Publication: Black Label Comics
Source: Preview Version Purchased at Amazon
Look for this series at Amazon 

     This preview of The Deathlings is a dark comic book written by Ian Struckhoff. The heroine in The Deathlings is Annie.  Annie has weird, dark and vivid dreams which she tries to capture in the morning so she doesn't forget. She interacts with dark looking characters and clearly she is intrigued by this world.

     The Deathlings piqued my interest from the first time I saw its cover. Annie has uniqueness and original character design.  I like that she doesn't look like a cookie cutter heroine.  I'm interested in this series and want to see what else Ian Struckhoff can do with Annie.

     Characters are well designed.  Colors are well utilized.  The comic shows a particular dark ambiance.

The Walking Dead #1
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Illustrator: Tony Moore
Publication: Image Comics, 2003
Source: Purchased
Look for this series at Comixology / Amazon/ Goodreads

Description from goodreads

An epidemic of apocalyptic proportions has swept the globe, causing the dead to rise and feed on the living. In a matter of months, society has crumbled: There is no government, no grocery stores, no mail delivery, no cable TV. Rick Grimes finds himself one of the few survivors in this terrifying future. A couple months ago he was a small town cop who had never fired a shot and only ever saw one dead body. Separated from his family, he must now sort through all the death and confusion to try and find his wife and son. In a world ruled by the dead, we are forced to finally begin living.

     The Walking Dead is a great show.   I can't wait for its new season.  In the meantime I found The Walking Dead #1 at Comixology and decided to give it a try.  This comic gave birth to the series so it was time I grabbed the comic. This number introduces The Walking Dead world.  Rick is at the hospital where he begins to notice what is happening in the world.  In the outside he interacts with a man and his son and prepares for searching for his wife and son.  Rick looks scared but decided to find them.  Like in the series he shows his qualities and empathy towards people.

     I like the art and colors in The Walking Dead.  The cover looks really good.  Inside, images are shown in black and white, which really suits the The Walking Dead story.  Zombie design is somber, amazing and depicts rawness.  Without doubt, The Walking Dead is a most read in the graphic novels' world.

The Evil Tree #1
Writer: Erik Hendrix
Illustrator: Daniel Thollin
Publication: Arcana Studio/ November, 2012
Source: Purchased
Look for this series at Comixology / Amazon/ Goodreads

Description from goodreads

In a colonial village outside of NYC, Misha and her fiance, Daren, seek an escape from the fast pace of the city. As they settle in, Misha becomes withdrawn, suffering from bad dreams and depression. When Daren brings his friends to the house to "shake out the cobwebs," little does he know he is setting into motion events started hundreds of years ago with the original occupants of the house, the Willam Family. Not only did the ill-fated Willam family die in the house one cold winter, but the house has developed a history of female occupants committing suicide. The friends must solve the mystery of the house before the Willam Family ghosts pick them off one by one!

     The Evil Tree works the formula of the cabin in the woods plus dark presence equals weird stuff.  I have seen this time and time again in many movies.  It can be a repetitive theme that can be made original according to the authors skill.  Although, The Evil Tree needs some polishing in its dialog and character interaction, the author creates a mystery in Misha which definitively helps the story.  Her friends are worried about her because they notice she has changed since she have been living in this isolated place.  Some presence is perturbing her and just at the end author Erik Hendrix leaves this number in this terrifying cliffhanger of a situation.

     I appreciate Erik Hendrix interest in creating fear using a winter setting in an isolated cabin.  Also, They made  a great job with colors.  My favorite thing is how Misha is overcome by this mysterious presence and then this presence becomes kind of tangible thru the tree.  This is a series to watch.  If you are a fan of suspense and terror, get The Evil Tree.

The Intrepid Escapegoat
Author and Illustrator: Brian Smith
Colored by Mike DeVito
Publication: Third World Studios
Source: Free Comic Book Day version purchased at Amazon
Look for this series at goodreads / Amazon

Description from goodreads

The EscapeGoat comic universe is set in a pseudo-Victorian era Earth; it is a time of discovery and advances in science, but also a time of ancient magics. Thomas Fleet (AKA The Intrepid EscapeGoat) is a world famous escape artist, a star of the stage and screen who performs before packed houses all over the globe. What separates EscapeGoat from other magicians and mediums of the time is that he knows there is REAL magic in the world, and on occasion it falls on him to stop the supernatural threats facing mankind. He travels the world with his act, solving the paranormal riddles that plague the towns and cities he visits along the way.

     Art is nice and cartoony.  Colors are really good, which is always a plus.  Character design fits the story really well.  The concept is good and could work well for an animated series.  Main character is kind of an Indiana Jones escapist extraordinaire, which gives the series many possibilities storywise. 

     Although I see many positive qualities in this series creatively speaking, this number is not that impressive.  It lacks something, it could be more engaging.  Nevertheless, I would like to read additional numbers to see how this characters develop.

     This version of The Intrepid Escapegoat is the Free Comic Book Day version.  This event take place the first Saturday of May each year.  Look for a comic book store near home.

Graphic Saturday! Wars in Toyland

Wars in Toyland by Joe Harris
Illustrated by Adam Pollina, Brent McCarthy and Nolan Woodard
Publisher: Oni Press/July 10th, 2013
Source: Netgalley for review purposes
Look for this at Amazon

A little about this title from goodreads:
Toyland was once a place of wonder and beauty, at least until the teddy dictator Roxbury took over. After Matthew's brother and playmate, Alex, disappears, Matthew finds himself carried into Toyland by his own loyal toy soldiers. Matthew soon learns that Alex has been here, too, held captive by Roxbury. Leading an attack on the teddy bear's fortress, Matthew never considers that his brother might be beyond saving.

Wars in Toyland is certainly an amusing comic book from the creative mind of Joe Harris. A fantastic wonderland has come to life by the skillful hands of illustrators Adam Pollina, Brent McCarthy and Nolan Woodard. This is a comic you should look forward to read for the story is quite imaginative.

Matthew is the hero on this story, a kid who enjoys playing with his toys and sharing that time with his brother Alex. At the end of one playing session he ends on a fantastic toyland a little by accident or perhaps a little by longing since his brother has been missing.

He arrived abruptly to a land built from toys, for toys and populated by toys...his toys. At his arrival he finds a clue of his brother's whereabouts, which motivates him to help the toys. Toyland is controlled by a Tediarchy and the toys need Mathew to lead them into war. Also, Mathew needs to free his brother. He will become the Captain of that army made of wood, cotton and all sort of things.

How beautiful this comic looks! Illustrations show character and high creative standards. Some illustrations show surrealistic influences, especially the images where the doll head was shown. The colors are beautifully done and are nice to look at. Cover art is well done and gives a perspective of what will be inside.

The story is creative and offers novelty in a theme previously used by other stories: Toys coming to life. It is delightfully entertaining. This comic is well written. The way the characters interact with each other is great. Matthew is the main character,but I consider soldier John to have part of that spotlight. He is a natural hero,loyal and a leader. Joe Harris did a really good job creating this characters.

Highly recommend this comic book!

Graphic Saturday! Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong by Prudence Shen

Nothing Can Posibly Go Wrong by Prudence Shen
Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks
Publisher: First Second, May 2013
Source: Netgalley for an honest review.
Look for this at Amazon / BN / BD
To know more about the author: Website
To know more about the illustrator: Blog / Website

From goodreads:
You wouldn’t expect Nate and Charlie to be friends. Charlie’s the laid-back captain of the basketball team, and Nate is the neurotic, scheming president of the robotics club. But they are friends, however unlikely—until Nate declares war on the cheerleaders. At stake is funding that will either cover a robotics competition or new cheerleading uniforms—but not both.

It's only going to get worse: after both parties are stripped of their funding on grounds of abominable misbehavior, Nate enrolls the club's robot in a battlebot competition in a desperate bid for prize money. Bad sportsmanship? Sure. Chainsaws? Why not. Running away from home on Thanksgiving to illicitly enter a televised robot death match? Of course!

In Faith Erin Hicks' and Prudence Shen's world of high school class warfare and robot death matches, Nothing can possibly go wrong.

Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong is a web comic that found its way to the presses and will be available in May.  It is refreshing and entertaining.  A series of fun ocurrences are all around the book which makes the comic easy and effortless to read.  The story puts an unlikely group of people together and that brings something different to the table, making the reader wonder constantly what could be the possible outcome of the story. I enjoyed reading Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong.  It would be interesting to see a short series with the daily  lives of these characters.

Illustrations are in black and white and while reading I never felt a need for color.  Illustrations are well drawn and have their own character and individuality. More nice illustrations can be seen on Faith Erin Hicks' webpage.  Visit it so you can get a notion of this cartoonist's work.

I recommend this comic for YA readers.

Graphic Saturday: True Blood Vol.1

True Blood Volume 1 by Ann Nocenti
Illustrator: Michael Gaydos
Publisher: IDW Publishing, Jan 2013
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Source: Provided by Netgalley for honest review
Look for this at Amazon / BD

This is the first volume of True Blood's graphic novel. In this volume the first five numbers have been put together to show us more about Sookie from the TV series. The comic books are not based on the books and I wish that would have been the case.

We get to know more about the vampire's mainstreaming on this volume. Remus, a vamp from Eric and Bill's past appears disrupting everything during Coffin Day celebrations. A series of flashbacks let us see Remus, Eric and Bill in their respective roles when mainstreaming was about to happen. These flashbacks are intertwined with events of the three of them in the present day. Remus is the character who connects the stories. In a way this volume is about him.

Overall, the story is interesting. The art is good but I'm not crazy about. Nevertheless, I plan on continuing the volumes. I think this comic has something to offer to the Sookie Stackhouse's world.

About the 5 numbers:
My favorites are #1 and #5.  Why? Book #1 has a strong ending and it is the one that provokes questions in the reader.  The #5 is about Russell Edginton and I love his macabre doings.  He is one of those characters who are catalysts for the story.

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Graphic Saturday! Cadaver by Jonah Ansell

Cadaver: A Bittersweet Love Story by Jonah Ansell
Illustrated by Carina Simmons, Eric Vennemeyer & Abe Dieckman
Publisher: Academy Chicago Publishers, Feb 2013
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Look for this at Amazon / BD
Source: Provided by Netgalley for an honest review.

About this book (from goodreads):

A cadaver wakes up to say a last goodbye to his wife, but discovers a truth in death he didn’t know in life.

CADAVER isn’t just any old love story. It is a cinematic poem. Literally, it rhymes. Inspired by the wit of Shel Silverstein and the wisdom of William Shakespeare, it is a 21st century love sonnet that seeks to awaken the hopeful romantic within even the harshest cynic.

First thing that got my attention was the name of this: Cadaver. This is a romantic love story characterized my weirdness. A poem illustrates in a rhythmic way the hardship of a enamored old man. Sometimes rhyme is a priority and it sacrifices the poem at some extent. Nevertheless, the peculiarities of this comic makes it atractive.

All the time I kept cheering for the old man, but the insensible feeling of this cynic poem takes over and the old man is emotionally obliterated. And I had to kept reading!

The art is interesting. And the character design looks good. The girl in the square glasses is my favorite, because of her quirkyness. Colors and shadows are well utilized.

This comic book has a dark sense of humor. I have reread this various times and I find it amusing every time. I haven't watch the short film yet but I plan to.

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Graphic Saturday! Glitter Kiss by Adrianne Ambrose

I have been waiting for this comic book for a long time.  Finally the e-ARC made my tablet.  This Graphic Saturday we have Glitter Kiss.

Glitter Kiss by Adrianne Ambrose
Illustrator:  Monica Gallagher
Published: December 19th 2012/ Oni Press
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Look for this at Amazon / BD
Source: Netgalley, for review purposes.

Since I saw this title on Netgalley I simply had to read it. I read the ARC version of this one.

The story is funny and simple. Girl likes this guy and they see each other in secret. When she discovers why he is hiding her, her heart is broken. Then she buys some lip gloss and is when everything changes for her...and for him.

I read this quickly and it is hilarious. The guys in the story got what they deserved. I loved the lesson  learned by Tinka the main character: self respect. The ending was a little disappointing because it felt rushed.

I liked the black and white in the comic, but color would definitely improve it.

Would love to see this as a series. What else could happen in Tinka's life?

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Graphic Saturday: Scott Pilgrim Vol .1

Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O'Malley
Published: August 2004/ Oni Press
Author Bryan Lee O'Malley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Look for this: BD

This is my second Graphic Saturday here on Jessy's Bookends.  Every Saturday I'll share about some graphic novel/comic.  Today is Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life turn.

Had the opportunity to read the first volume of the Scott Pilgrim saga. At first the colorful pages and the quirky art caught my attention. As I read on, it got funnier and peculiar. The only problem was that having seen the movie quite some time ago, it became quite hard to follow through with it, as it was a story already known to me. Anyway, I went along for the ride in all it's graphic goodness.

This graphic novel is both unique and entertaining. Definitely read it. If you have seen the movie well it might not hold your interest for long, but it is worth mentioning that the comic is actually the source material for the movie, so please give it a go.

So, have you read this? What graphic novels have you read recently?  It's Graphic Saturday, pick a graphic novel!

Thanks Oni Press for providing this galley for review purposes via Netgalley.  This tittle was reviewed according to its merits.

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Graphic Saturday! House of Night : Legacy

House of Night: Legacy by P.C. Cast
Published: Dark Horse, July 2012
Author: P.C. Cast
Illustrator: Joelle Jones, Karl Kerschl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Look for this at Amazon / Book Depository

The story:
Recently, I read this graphic novel. I have read the first five books of the series and decided to read this one out of curiosity. The story kept me interested, after all House of Night always fulfills its purpose of been entertaining. We can see the books reflected on the feeling of this comic book.
The stories intertwined inside the main storyline had the most appeal to me. The characters were dimensional and their stories were integrated into the main story in way that showed purpose in the story itself. The storytelling wasn’t a highlight.

The art of this graphic novel :
I have mix feelings about this. The main story style was not attractive. Faces where excessively geometric, hands were too big and proportions needed work. On the other hand enjoyed the coloring, it reminds me of Books of Magic in some way.
The elements stories’ art is more interesting to look at. Illustrations show movement, that’s always a plus. Each chapter was preceded by an illustration, which was my favorite component of this graphic novel.

Rating:

3 out of 5, A great graphic novel is the perfect marrying of art and writing. Didn’t see it here. Legacy could have brought something new to the House of Night series, but the opportunity was thrown way.

I recommend this for House of Night readers.

Graphic Novels are a great way to show a new aspect of a book universe. Also they show us a world in a more concrete way with vivid illustrations and amazing storytelling. Do you read graphic novels? No? What are you waiting for?

Which graphic Novels have you read recently?

Provided by Dark Horse via Netgalley for review purposes.  This book was reviewed according to its merits.
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