Weekly Reading Update! 3/25-3/31/16

This was another week for graphic novels - mostly because I've been so busy that I didn't have much time for anything else.

I finally caught up on Red Hood and the Outlaws, reading both volumes 6 and 7. I was not happy with the ending of 7! Don't do that to me - I love this team, and I refuse to see them turn against each other. I'm not sure if this is the end for the series or not, but I really hope not.. I guess we'll see how it goes.

I also caught up on Aquaman and the Others, reading volume 2. This one was just okay, I prefer Aquaman's single title. It seems this volume comes after some big DC event that I didn't read, so it was more than a little confusing.

Finally, I read Aftershock by Jill Sorenson. Oh wow, was this amazing. I was on edge the entire time, and couldn't put it down - which was rough, considering I am currently dealing with vertigo and reading is not always easy/pleasurable. But this book definitely made it worth it. Check it out if you like Romantic Suspense. I can't wait for the next book to come in at the library!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Review: BATMAN AND ROBIN 6: THE HUNT FOR ROBIN by Peter Tomasi

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Release Date: June 30, 2015

Type: Graphic Novel, Comics, Comic Books, Superheroes, Batman and the Batlings, Hard to have Batman and Robin without Robin..

About the Book: After losing his son Damian—a.k.a. Robin—Batman has finally found peace with his death. Damian's grandfather Ra's al Ghul, however, has not. In order to resurrect Robin, he's stolen the body and now Batman will stop at nothing to reclaim him. 

Nearly two years of storylines—including threads from Grant Morrison's BATMAN INCORPORATED and Scott Snyder and Greg Capulo's BATMAN—conclude here in BATMAN AND ROBIN VOL. 6: THE HUNT FOR ROBIN. 

Collects BATMAN AND ROBIN #29-34 and ROBIN RISES OMEGA. [Description from Netgalley.com]

My Review: Despite Robin being no longer with us, he still has a strong presence in this graphic novel series. But then, I guess it is hard to continue a series bearing his namesake without having him there in some way shape or form. My biggest issue with this graphic novel, was that it felt like since they couldn't team Batman up with Robin, they would just team him up with whomever else was handy - Aquaman, Wonder Woman, even Frankenstein. In a way, it makes sense - hard to have a series based on a team up without some sort of team-ing happening. But it just felt rushed and so-so.

What I think this series does well is the tiny bits of humor they manage to sneak into such a dark series. Even in Bruce's moments of lightness and healing, though they be very few and far between, it is still gritty, like a true Batman comic should be. As a fan of Robin in all his (or maybe her?) forms, I was happen to see a small reunion of former title holders, though I will not spoil how or why.

There is a lot this series does well - the tone, the story lines.. but I will be happy to either move on from Damien, or find a way to bring him back to the story. Frankly, I would prefer bringing him back. I loved Damien. Not my favorite of the past and present sidekicks, but he had his own flair, and I loved seeing him and Bruce work together.

Cover Lovin': Very fitting cover. This title may be called Batman and Robin, but Robin is not exactly in the picture any more - as this cover accurately portrays.

Recommendation: For hardcore Bat-fans, and only for those that have kept up with this series. This is not a volume you can just pick up without the backstory.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). Good, but not as dark and gritty as it used to be. This felt like it was missing something (maybe Robin?!).

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: "Grayson, Volume 1: Agents of Spyral" by Tim Seeley

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Release Date: June 9th, 2015

Type: Graphic Novel, Comics, DC, Spies, Thrillers, Former Superheroes Still Being Super, Mysteries, Secret Organizations, Hey - that's Batman!

About the Book: Dick Grayson. Former Sidekick. Former Superhero. Former dead man. Agent of Spyral?! A thrilling new chapter of Dick Grayson's life begins here. A super-spy espionage thriller that will shock you and prove one thing: you might think you know Nightwing--but you don't know Dick. 

Collects GRAYSON #1-4, GRAYSON ANNUAL #1 and a story from SECRET ORIGINS #8. [Description from Goodreads.com]

My Review: First I'm going to mention what I didn't like. Or rather, I should say "what frustrated me." I understand why, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating. I dislike feeling confused because more and more questions are being raised, and nothing is being answered. You don't have to answer everything, and if you want me to keep reading, you probably shouldn't - but one small mystery solved along the way, while raising bigger questions as you go can't be too much to ask, right? That kind of thing drives me up the wall.

Now on to the better part. All the stuff I enjoyed about reading the first of this new series. I talk like I don't enjoy thrillers and suspense movies and novels, but then I read something like this, and I'm all in. Grayson gives you that good edge of your seat feeling while reading. I wanted to know what would happen. Is Dick going to get caught? Who are these people? Oh no, that person has a gun and it's aimed right for him! Just some examples of the fun you will find within.

I also enjoyed all the goodies in the back. I'll admit, I really love cover variants. I like to see other artists' vision for a character, or maybe just see someone have fun with their art. And speaking of art - Grayson volume 1 has some good stuff. I love the fight scenes. Dick Grayson doesn't have powers, but he is super agile, and that can be difficult to show in comics. How do you convey in a few small panels how he managed to flip around and save the day? But the artist does a great job.

And for those of you that are dying to know - yes, Dick Grayson is ten times cuter inside the comic than he is on the cover. There's even some good shirtless shots if you're interested. I read these comics for the story and the action. Doesn't mean I can't enjoy the art too, hm?

Cover Lovin': Well, since this book isn't out yet, I wasn't able to find a final cover. The other ARC covers I've seen actually do have the author's name and the title on it, but they also have big "ARC" splotches all over. But what you see here is the basic idea. I like it - very bond-esque. Also very pink, which I find interesting.

Recommendation: For fans of Batman and the Batlings (as I like to call them). And really, I think this could appeal to the mystery/spy thriller lovers as well.

Final Rating: A little less than a four, a little more than a three, so I guess I will go with 3.5. This had a lot of potential, and I really like where it's going. But it can get frustrating with all the lack of answers.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: DC Entertainment Graphic Novel Essentials And Chronology 2014

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Type: Graphic Novel, Nonfiction, DC Entertainment, Vertigo, MAD, Informative, Where do I even start?, Series, etc.

About the Book: DC Entertainment has been the birthplace of comics' landmark graphic novels, from books that defined the genre like WATCHMEN, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, and THE SANDMAN to contemporary classics such as JUSTICE LEAGUE VOL. 1: ORIGIN and BATMAN VOL. 1: THE COURT OF OWLS.

The DC Entertainment Essential Graphic Novels and Chronology has revised its expansive look into our rich backlist collection featuring the talents of the best writers and illustrators in the industry. Included are key reading lists, in-depth looks at graphic novels starring heroes such as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and the Justice League, and the best collections from our Vertigo, MAD, and digital-first lines.

This catalog can be used as an important resource for new fans seeking a starting point, as well as a look at our impressive backlist for the most fervent DCE fan.

My Review: I wasn't so sure about reading and reviewing this. I'm a huge fan of DC and Vertigo, and religiously follow several of their comic book lines - but a nonfiction book about their comics? What could they tell me that I didn't already know? Well, a lot, apparently. This book doesn't just let readers know what is out there - it also includes some history of DCE and, my favorite part, includes a listing of the 25 essential graphic novels. I love lists, and I was pleased to see how many on it I had already read, and added the rest to my to-read pile.

What pleased me most about this book was its ability to show good starting points for anyone interested in comic books. I was lucky that I had several friends obsessed with comics when I decided I wanted to start reading them, otherwise it's quite daunting to pick something up - what if you start reading in the middle of a story arc? the DCE Essentials and Chronology shows all the volume ones, and explains the recently rebooted New 52 line, which is definitely a great place to start for anyone interested. Even better, it doesn't just cover DC lines, but Vertigo (my favorite!) and MAD as well.

I would have rated the book higher, but it's very short - the size of an average graphic novel. There is so much history to cover, I believe the book would have done well to be longer. And included some more history when it comes to the big names - Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Each character (and more!) were covered, but these are the heavy hitters, they needed some more special treatment. Especially considering this is where new readers are likely to start.

Cover Lovin': I really love this. I love the characters reading comics - and not just in print form, even! Catwoman is reading comics on a digital device, highlighting DCE's digital-first lines.

Recommendation: For fans of the DC universe, as well as for anyone interested in beginning their journey into some of the most popular graphic novels. Great for someone that wants to start reading comics, and has no clue where to begin.

Final Rating: THREE POINT FIVE out of FIVE stars (3.5/5).

Happy Reading!
~!~ Manda from Novel Addiction ~!~