“You splash water all over the bathroom. You have a nightlight and stupid hair. Everything you own is blNow that I’m further into this, I’m loving it.
“You splash water all over the bathroom. You have a nightlight and stupid hair. Everything you own is black, and you always use the last hot water!” ... “My stupid hair has the same score as you.”
The sheer amount of tension this series has? Immaculate. I’m really enjoying this since the characters have had a chance to grow on me. I spent a large majority of my time grinning like a fool while reading this. It’s just so fun!
Nick is still my favorite, but who doesn’t love a good underdog, eh?...more
I will shove as much Spider-Man content into my eyes as I can and I will enjoy every minute of it.
Why is it that no matter what I do, the people I lovI will shove as much Spider-Man content into my eyes as I can and I will enjoy every minute of it.
Why is it that no matter what I do, the people I love are always the ones who end up paying for my mistakes?
This Spidey does feel a little different, but that’s nothing strange when switching to a new author. I really liked the mix of banter and harsh reality that Spencer offered in this volume. Peter has to deal with the ramifications of his past actions in a new way this time around.
It was also interesting to see the split of Power and Responsibility in the latter half! Showing the complexities of his character by analyzing them individually was a really fun take. If not a little terrifying to see how people truly are a careful balance that keeps the control in place.
Also I kept grinning as all the villains kept showing up. They’re cheesy and fun and I missed seeing them all. I’m excited to see where the underlying mystery goes as I keep reading the series!...more
For something picked up purely on a whim, not bad at all!
”Blood keeps you young & beautiful, darling. Drink.”
I loved the use of color and typography inFor something picked up purely on a whim, not bad at all!
”Blood keeps you young & beautiful, darling. Drink.”
I loved the use of color and typography in this. Each scene felt surreal in its form which is great when it’s a story detailing vampires. It heightens the Weirdness.
I really wish this had been longer. Something about the pacing made me wish for more “down time” instead of the quick hops from one main point to the next. It all rises and falls so quickly that I was left like “well, that’s over now,” by the end. We don’t learn much about our news paparazzo main character, Quincy! Why is he in post-mortem photography as his specialty? How did he develop his relationship with the cops? All these questions and more, never answered.
I was a little wary with how this would end, but it was honestly quite nice! Overall I’d probably rate the entire series a 3.5, but still a fun read iI was a little wary with how this would end, but it was honestly quite nice! Overall I’d probably rate the entire series a 3.5, but still a fun read if you like DC. Still really like this new Batfam they’ve made here....more
A really fascinating start! I’m intrigued by the mystery of Erica.
”What are monsters?” “They’re big scary things that eat children.”
This has an interesA really fascinating start! I’m intrigued by the mystery of Erica.
”What are monsters?” “They’re big scary things that eat children.”
This has an interesting aesthetic to it that I would like to dub Neon Gore. There’s just such a neat way of utilizing color to make everything Erica is doing in her goal of hunting monsters just pop off the page. The gruesome scenes that our main characters are forced to see are quite intense, though, so I would like to offer a content warning for child death, body dismemberment, gore, and copious amounts of blood.
The story for this is so far quite engaging! I want to learn more about Erica and this group she seems to be a part of. And her weird, weird octopus pal. It seems to have a nefarious energy to it. Spooky. It’s all shrouded in just enough mystery to keep me hanging on and going “now what’s that about?” So, it’s great.
I don’t regret picking this up at all! Will keep an eye out for more....more
This comic definitely helped seal a lot of what the movies tried to emphasize, by letting us see more of Ben’s background and why he’s struggled for sThis comic definitely helped seal a lot of what the movies tried to emphasize, by letting us see more of Ben’s background and why he’s struggled for so long.
”And when it mattered, I was stronger than Luke Skywalker.”
I wish we’d seen more of this in the movies. As is Ben was very one-dimensional, in my opinion, and this really fleshed him out. Being feared from step one is so lonely, so isolating, and it makes his choices make sense.
I really enjoyed the art style in this comic, too! You can clearly tell who everyone is (when they’re based on their film counterparts) and the new characters blended in well. A neat realism. Voe was my favorite; I can understand that angry jealousy she felt.
I’m super glad I picked this up! It’s always fun to take another foray into the space-land that is Star Wars....more
I liked this volume a lot more. I’m excited to stick with the rest of this series now!
”Just because they hate us doesn’t mean we shouldn’t help them.”I liked this volume a lot more. I’m excited to stick with the rest of this series now!
”Just because they hate us doesn’t mean we shouldn’t help them.”
This volume definitely felt a lot more fresh. Not as predictable and tons more engaging, which is great. A grim look into how this society they worked so hard to save views them, with a realistic idea behind it that made it relatable and understandable. The detachment of Wonders to the normal would absolutely create a situation like this. It’d be hard for it not to, in my opinion, generate hostility.
I also will admit I have a soft spot for Kendra (and any Hawkgirl in particular) and I liked seeing her solo plot, which was fascinating. Such interesting alliances afoot! I really appreciated how all the side plots twisted themselves together in the end. Very satisfying.
I’m glad I decided to keep going with this series. I’m looking forward to seeing what all these characters get into next!...more
This read is quick and beautiful. Forever in awe of O’Neill’s designs and color use!
”You find it effortless because you love it, and that is why it isThis read is quick and beautiful. Forever in awe of O’Neill’s designs and color use!
”You find it effortless because you love it, and that is why it is your gift.”
Getting a prequel story to The Tea Dragon Society is a lot of fun. More aspects of this magical world are fleshed out and it’s exciting to see! Dragons have more than one way of appearing here. Aedhan’s a wonderful addition to the growing list of characters. And I’ll never complain seeing more of Hesekiel and Erik.
Also lovely handling of inclusive topics and characters. Characters who are genderfluid and fall on the LGBT+ spectrum. Characters using sign language as a common thing (which I wish were true in reality) to support the community. The approach of finding your passions in the areas you maybe aren’t actively looking! It’s all so wonderfully crafted together a natural feeling way.
It’s clear O’Neill is putting a lot of love and care into this series, and in turn it makes me love it all the more, too. I can’t recommend these books enough if you also like magic and fantasy....more
I like how this series is slowly revealing more and more of Clint’s past as we progress.
Most people’s lives are a series of millions of messy little mI like how this series is slowly revealing more and more of Clint’s past as we progress.
Most people’s lives are a series of millions of messy little moments strung together adding up to a messy little life.
Clint’s life, as usual, is a whirlwind and full of unexpected chaos. The trio of Weapon Children in this volume are a fascinating addition to that image. Fighting for what is viewed as the right thing to do versus the only viable option - letting them go. The battle between youthful hope and matured practical expectations between Kate and Clint.
The view into Clint’s time with the circus was really well executed. Having it in a different coloring style (more water color in essence) helped keep both trains of thought neatly separated. I never found it confusing, which is a huge plus. Grim reality that every situation will have its shitty aspects, especially them as kids.
Definitely interesting! I’m excited to see where this new plot segment with the kids goes, especially with a time skip to an even older Clint on the horizon....more
This series is still one of my favorites, but this ending didn’t flow the same way to me.
—They’re killers, Rose. They kill people, by the million. —So This series is still one of my favorites, but this ending didn’t flow the same way to me.
—They’re killers, Rose. They kill people, by the million. —So do we.
Something about the constant time skips made this much more jarring than the first two books. The flow wasn’t as natural, which makes sense when we’re seeing both the current time on Earth and the past on Esat Ekt.
I love Eva as a protagonist, and wish we’d seen more of her perspective on Esat Ekt. I think that adds to the disjointed-ness since she’s so prevalent but she was always talked about in those segments and not taking to us. Even in journal entries or something if she was annoyed by the recorder.
That being said, big robots, big stakes, still a lot of fun. Interesting philosophical looks into xenophobia and fear of each other for what is seen as fairly arbitrary rules. Interesting politics and concepts around if a situation like this were real. Vincent’s still a favorite of mine and I love his dialogue.
Neuvel’s style is still fantastic and makes this series so enthralling to read. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, wanting to know more. The ending particularly made me feel kinda fuzzy with how far all these characters have come in the grand scheme of all this. They survived a lot, and it was great to watch their journey.
I think I might like this ending even more upon a reread, and I still adore this series! I’ll always have a soft spot for Themis....more
An absolute must have in every middle school classroom, in my opinion!
I wondered if she would teach able-bodied third graders the same way. Probably nAn absolute must have in every middle school classroom, in my opinion!
I wondered if she would teach able-bodied third graders the same way. Probably not. The more I thought about it, the angrier I got.
This book is an eye-opener for the treatment of disabled children in nearly every facet of life: family, medical, school, and so on. Melody has struggles that are both unique to her situation and also great at sparking sympathy and empathy. This book is one I read back in middle school, and it impacted me then similarly to now. But, now, I can see clearly the failings of the adults who misunderstand and underestimated Melody. It’s even more visible as I’m taking a special education course. Especially when there was discussion about the R-word - how it’s hurtful and demeaning.
The only part of this book that kind of took me out of the experience was the very young, babyhood memories Melody recalled. They were a little unrealistic to me, but I have no idea if people with photographic/eidetic memories remember their childhoods better than normal! Though I understand their inclusion to show her struggles even as a little child.
I liked seeing the intersectionality referenced in how Melody has both Cerebral Palsy and synesthesia! I appreciate when multiple facets are shown, instead of perpetuating viewing a person as a single label. It’s all more complex than that. All people are beautiful webs when we learn more about them.
I really like that this book is written from Melody’s perspective. It makes it so much more relatable for young kids who may not know much about other children who are disabled. Who may be interested in learning more! That’s why I highly recommend it for classrooms. Some of the slang may be outdated, but kids are smart and they’ll get it. Replace MySpace with YouTube or the Internet and it still works the same!
Overall, this book is something I find very valuable in its ability to teach understanding. Compassion and sympathy. Things kids definitely should be seeing....more
I really like this storyline and this portrayal of Diana!
”I like men, Hermes. And I’m not gonna apologize for that.”
This series delves more into DianaI really like this storyline and this portrayal of Diana!
”I like men, Hermes. And I’m not gonna apologize for that.”
This series delves more into Diana’s birthright as a member of the Greek gods. I like how unique all of the gods look, Hermes especially, and the way their actions come about. Diana herself is really neat in this, and I love how she’s drawn. I’ve always had a soft spot for this Amazon.
Hera’s anger, though understandable, reaches similar heights of intensity as in the old myths. Lots of death, pursuing of death, and promising of death. Dramatics galore. Zola manages to deal with it having a relatively cool head. I don’t think I’d be able to be as calm and understanding as her if I were in that position, for sure.
Will definitely be continuing with the rest of this series, and kinda sad I didn’t really get to it before this!...more
Katie O’Neill’s art is a feast for the eyes and each page is stunning.This made my whole heart feel so warm.
”It was never the adventure that I loved.”
Katie O’Neill’s art is a feast for the eyes and each page is stunning. The designs of the characters and the dragons are beautiful. I would gladly purchase cards with all the tea dragons and their stats!
The story may just be kicking off, but I’m loving it. Greta and Minette are so adorable. Greta’s relationship with her parents, with Erik, and with Hesekiel all are wholesome and move her own personal story along. Greta’s admiration of almost-lost arts is admirable and it’s great to see things that tell readers to go for their passions, even if they’re unconventional.
I don’t know what else to say than read it if you’re even slightly interested. It’s worth it! Can’t wait to add it to my physical collection sometime soon. ...more
Something about this volume, this volume specifically just hit different. I loved it so much.
Whatever happens to me tonight? However bad it gets?
I hadSomething about this volume, this volume specifically just hit different. I loved it so much.
Whatever happens to me tonight? However bad it gets?
I had it comin’.
I attribute my deep enjoyment of this volume to two main things:
The first is seeing a huge portion of Clint’s backstory and also his brother coming into this picture. I adore sibling dynamics and they both are messy, complicated, and funny human beings. Barney is one I hope we get to see a bit more of in the coming volumes - and I’m glad he gets something nice out of all this ugly.
The second has to be the representation of deafness and Deaf culture. The frames of Clint struggling to hear put in text form? That’s genuinely what it feels like (speaking from my own hard of hearing perspective). Confusion and trying to lip read and still needing to guess at words with context. It’s draining and difficult and tiring, which you can see in Clint’s demeanor. The signing drawings are so well made and I actually understood them with my very rudimentary vocabulary. It’s all so elegantly portrayed on the page and ugh. It is very clear that they put a lot of time and effort here and I appreciated it immensely.
Also now he’s in the aids and I... there’s something about seeing characters like you, there really is....more
This was an interesting idea and included a lot of new versions of beloved characters, dealing with new issues!
”But if you’re going to run, you shouldThis was an interesting idea and included a lot of new versions of beloved characters, dealing with new issues!
”But if you’re going to run, you should run toward something. Not away.”
On one hand, a fascinating concept. On the other, a jumbled feeling presentation of the plot. I kept getting confused with where we were in the timeline - too many time jumps without enough visual references to discern them, in my opinion. The “easy” way would have been having two sets of hero outfits, but I digress.
Lois Lane/Red Tornado was one of my favorite parts of this volume. If it had just been following her, I think it would have been better. When you’re focusing on so many characters it can feel like there isn’t truly much progression from the beginning of the volume to the end. Since we saw her story (slightly) she really grew on me.
The plot also felt predictable, which is a huge detriment when they’re building up to it with such intensity. Who would guess, when there’s such a strong personality running it? I did.
However, this new setup is still really intriguing me so I want to see what they did in further volumes. Especially now that the “basics” have been fleshed out....more
As much as I love Kate, I wish we’d gotten to see more of Clint’s progression in his story here.
”I gotta get the hell out of Los Angeles.”
It was fun! As much as I love Kate, I wish we’d gotten to see more of Clint’s progression in his story here.
”I gotta get the hell out of Los Angeles.”
It was fun! And a good story! Fantastic art as usual. But, I don’t know... I was used to following our good boy Clint in these and I didn’t expect an entire issue just on Kate.
Still a great series and still looking forward to the next!...more
An interesting glimpse into a different feel of zombie apocalypse!
In his mind, the business of existence was about minimizing consequences.
This book iAn interesting glimpse into a different feel of zombie apocalypse!
In his mind, the business of existence was about minimizing consequences.
This book is definitely more of a character study focusing on Mark Spitz, which is something I enjoy. The apocalypse is just the setting for his growth.
I’ve seen some reviews that dislike this book’s more intense focus on the mundane, quiet aspects of an apocalyptic existence. The humanity instead of the extreme action of zombie combat. But I think the whole point is to show how Spitz’s trauma has made him cling to these human moments when the world is so gray and repetitively permeated with fear.
The slow slog of his thoughts, experiences, and reminiscing is how I think it’d feel to go through this brand of the apocalypse. When reality is too much, you go silent and retreat. The whirl of present and past that feels long, but actually only takes up minutes, is I think a great representation of the human brain when dealing with this extreme of a situation.
I really liked this book’s approach of frank trauma discussion. Spitz’s trauma signs are unique to him, as they are to every person suffering from PASD (“Post Apocalypse Stress Disorder”) in the book. One in particular is his intense aversion to ash, whether real or imaginary, and its connotation with the dead. It just felt very real and I liked it.
I could possibly write an entire essay simply on this story’s theme of nostalgia. How it’s so readily manufactured and yet something nearly everyone uses to cope and exist happily. Especially when the world’s gone to hell in a hand-basket. So well articulated.
I just... trading one apocalypse for another was nice for a while. Highly recommended if you’re interested! Just know it’s less about the zombies and more about the people....more
Man, I’m really bummed by how much this book wasn’t for me, because I really was fascinated by the premise!
”Children are too smart for anything but thMan, I’m really bummed by how much this book wasn’t for me, because I really was fascinated by the premise!
”Children are too smart for anything but the truth, mujer.” “Yeah, but whose truth?” “Exactly.”
First and foremost, the piece of this that angered me the most: I absolutely loathe cheating in fiction. Calliope is married and I already hated the implied emotional cheating, and my dislike grew to detestment with their relationship. She only ever remembered Andres when it was convenient it seemed.
Another big part that made this book difficult to read is Calliope herself. That same convenience hypocrisy happened as she is an anthropology professor (aka invested in cultures) and yet absolutely refused to listen to Chance’s explanations for what was going on based on his Zuni heritage. She also didn’t listen to Eunjoo, belittling her worries as nothing but nightmares, when there was clear evidence it was more than that. I don’t know how you can just ignore the evidence in front of you for both counts - it was so anger inducing.
Not to mention that instead of treating Amy with respect and saying “I would like to do this and then we’ll look for your family” she lied by omission and was going to take Amy on a different path to find Calliope’s family instead. I think that’s what made this so difficult. Calliope just had such a fundamental disrespect for everyone around her. It doesn’t make for a very likeable protagonist. Even with her pregnancy as an “excuse,” a lot of it was still unforgivable to me.
It’s so unfortunate because I liked Chance (until cheating occurred) and Eunjoo! Eunjoo is honestly my favorite and I think this book would have been stunning if told just from her wide-eyed, child perspective. Seeing her visions and reactions to learning about other cultures, instead of through the uninterested lens of Calliope. If I were to ever come back to this it’d be primarily for her. With Chance, I don’t like how he seems to fit an overly-attractive, “mystical” Native stereotype. It just didn’t sit well initially, though I do like a lot of other parts of him. His gentle disposition was a good contrast to Calliope’s.
I also really was interested in the Zuni aspects of this! I’ve never read about them before and my excitement was really hampered by all the other negative aspects. I also can’t speak to its accuracy, though this author is not native to that culture, as far as I know.
I don’t know what else to say other than at times I was actively avoiding reading this book. I was just really disappointed by this, but I’m still open to seeing what Givhan will do next....more
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous collection. I think once I buy my own copy and come back to this, it may even be a five star situation!!
As always with raGorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous collection. I think once I buy my own copy and come back to this, it may even be a five star situation!!
As always with rating anthologies like this, it’s difficult to parse all the emotions down. For every story I was stunned by the amount of LGBT+ representation, the themes of family, love, and work. The focus on identity. It’s all so wonderful! Now I want to delve into my three favorite stories, in no particular order.
The apocalypse is the past, the dystopia already happened, and is happening, and will happen again.
The titular story of this collection is both the longest and one of the best parts of it. Covering a family’s existence in a grim dystopic future where jobs are hard to find and even harder to keep. More and more people are leaving to work on the moon, for the chance of a better pay. Character representation on the gay spectrum (both mlm and wlw) and the mentally ill spectrum; I devoured this story. It’s just... so rich with meanings and I think everyone will take something different away from it.
Common wisdom held that fairies were encountered at perimeters.
“Estranged Children of Storybook Houses” is for every individual who has ever felt “othered” by society. For being neurodivergent, for being LGBT+, for being disabled, for feeling “wrong.” It’s a fabulist version of that and it resonated with me very heavily. The fairy ways of thinking and acting are viewed as wrong, when they’re really just children who want love all the same. I will offer a content warning for mentions of child abuse in this story, though.
I beg. Give me a name, mother. Father. Creator.
“Wake Word” absolutely blasted me when I read it and it’s only two pages long. I legitimately had to sit and think for a while after this one. It’s so poignantly stated, how the things we make will reflect us in ways we didn’t anticipate. This isn’t the only short-short fiction piece in this collection that hit me hard, but this hit hardest.
I can’t wait to keep an eye on what Jarboe makes next. Endless thanks to libraries for putting things I’d never heard of on my radar!!...more
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