Anna's Book Blog: graphic novels

Showing posts with label graphic novels. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

What I'm Reading 3|6|19: Captain Marvel Edition

What I'm Reading:

What I Just Finished:

What's Next:

Not sure yet.

Saturday, January 5, 2019

Book Haul [210]

Monday, June 25, 2018

Comic Book Haul

Monday, May 14, 2018

Giveaway: Box of Graphic Novels, Comic Books & Funko Pops

May 5th was Free Comic Book Day... in celebration I'm giving away some graphic novels and a bunch of comics.

To enter leave a comment along with your email address. This giveaway is open to U.S. & Canada. The winner will be announced on June 1st.

Included in the box:
Guardians of the Galaxy: Guardians of Infinity (Graphic Novel)
All-New All-Different Avengers Vol. 1: The Magnificent Seven (Graphic Novel)
Domino #1
Batwoman #13
X-Men Blue #1
Green Arrow #22: The Rise of Star City
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Witch #1
Doomsday Clock #1
Black Bolt #1
Convergence #5
Rocket #1
Harley Quinn #1 (one-shot)

Plus 2 mystery Funko Pops
and a few other mystery items

Saturday, May 20, 2017

Comic Book Haul from Free Comic Book Day

These are from two orders I made on and around Free Comic Book Day.
These comics were purchased from Things From Another World & Midtown Comics.

Friday, May 5, 2017

Giveaway: Graphic Novel/Comic Books Prize Pack

Welcome to my annual Graphic Novel/Comic Giveaway! I'm giving away a box
full of geeky goodies.

Below are pictures of some of the items that will be in the box.
To enter leave a comment along with your email address. Open to U.S. resident.
Winner will be announced on May 18th

Jyn Erso Funko Pop (Target Exclusive)
Oswald Cobblepot Funko Pop
Harley Quinn's Greatest Hits Graphic Novel
Outcast Vol. 1 Graphic Novel
A-Force Presents Vol. 1 Graphic Novel
Teen Titans Issue #24: When Titans Fall
Ms. Marvel Issue #8
American Gods Issue #1
Star Wars The Force Awakens Issue #1
Trinity Issue #1
Plus More comis
and a mystery items

Friday, May 6, 2016

Comic Books/Graphic Novel Giveaway

Tomorrow is Free Comic Book Day. In Celebration of the day I have prize pack of a few items up for Grabs.

Prize Pack Includes:
Deadpool T-shirt (Large)
The Flash Pop Vinyl Figure
Black Widow Vol. 1: The Finely Woven Thread (GN)
Marvel Knights: Fantastic Four Vol. 4 (GN)
Harley Quinn Annual 2014 #1
Original Sins #3
Gotham by Midnight #1
Invincible Iron-Man #1

To enter leave a comment along with your email address.
Open to U.S. Residents. The winner will be announced on May 13th!

Learn more about Free Comic Book Day here.

Friday, January 17, 2014

[Review]: Cemetery Girl: The Pretenders by Charlaine Harris & Christopher Golden

Title: Cemetery Girl: The Pretenders
Author: Charlaine Harris & Christopher Golden
Illustrations: Don Kramer, Daniele Rudoni
Genre: Graphic Novel - Mystery/Paranormal
Release Date: January 7, 2014

Summary: She calls herself Calexa Rose Dunhill—names taken from the grim surroundings where she awoke, bruised and bloody, with no memory of who she is, how she got there, or who left her for dead.

She has made the cemetery her home, living in a crypt and avoiding human contact. But Calexa can’t hide from the dead—and because she can see spirits, they can’t hide from her.

Then one night, Calexa spies a group of teenagers vandalizing a grave—and watches in horror as they commit murder. As the victim’s spirit rises from her body, it flows into Calexa, overwhelming her mind with visions and memories not her own.

Now Calexa must make a decision: continue to hide to protect herself—or come forward to bring justice to the sad spirit who has reached out to her for help...

Thoughts: This is Ms. Harris's first release since ending the Sookie Stackhouse series and I have to say I'm really pleased. I enjoyed both Calexa and the story. I love how the art was dark and bright at the same time. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on book two. Cemetery Girl is a little bit Sookie and a little bit Harper mixing both the supernatural and mystery. With top notch authors like Harris and Golden you know you are in for a treat. A must read, I think fans of both these authors will enjoy this one.

Score: 4 Stars

Author Website:
http://charlaineharris.com/
http://www.christophergolden.com/

Upcoming Releases from Charlaine Harris
Games Creatures Play (Anthology)- April 1, 2014
Midnight Crossroad- May 6, 2014
Cemetery Girl: Inheritance- TBA

Upcoming Releases from Christopher Golden
Dark Duets (Anthology)- Out Now
King of Hell- January 16, 2014 (U.K. Release)
Snowblind- January 21, 2014
Sons of Anarchy Vol. 1 (GN) - September 9, 2014

Monday, May 13, 2013

[Review] - Blue Bloods: The Graphic Novel

Title: Blue Bloods: The Graphic Novel
Author: Melissa De La Cruz & Robert Venditti
Illustrator: Alina Urusov
Series: Blue Bloods
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: January 15, 2013

Summary: When the Mayflower set sail in 1620, it carried on board the men and women who would shape America: Miles Standish; John Alden; Constance Hopkins. But some among the Pilgrims were not pure of heart; they were not escaping religious persecution. Indeed, they were not even human. They were vampires.The vampires assimilated quickly into the New World. Rising to levels of enormous power, wealth, and influence, they were the celebrated blue bloods of American society.

The Blue Bloods vowed that their immortal status would remain a closely guarded secret. And they kept that secret for centuries. But now, in New York City, the secret is seeping out. Schuyler Van Alen is a sophomore at a prestigious private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes instead of the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates, and she lives with her reclusive grandmother in a dilapidated mansion. Schuyler is a loner...and happy that way. Suddenly, when she turns fifteen, there is a visible mosaic of blue veins on her arm. She starts to crave raw food and she is having flashbacks to ancient times. Then a popular girl from her school is found dead... drained of all her blood. Schuyler doesn't know what to think, but she wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger?

Thoughts: I've noticed that readers either really love the Blue Blood series or really hate it. For me I love it. I've enjoyed every installment along with the connected series, Wolf Pact and the Beauchamp Family. I was excited to hear there was gonna be a graphic novel. For those curious, this isn't a new story being told. But book one, Blue Bloods in graphic novel format.

While it was a story I already knew, I still found it highly enjoyable. It was also a great refresher, it's been a while since I read the first book. The art is beautiful and just as engaging as the original format. Like the books, I loved the mixture of history and the supernatural. It was also nice to actually put a face to all the characters. The only draw back I found was that I wish it was just a bit longer. It's definitely worth picking up, especially if your already a fan of the series.

Score: 4 Stars

Author Website: http://www.melissa-delacruz.com/

Blue Bloods:
Blue Bloods
Masquerade
Revelations
The Van Alen Legacy
Keys to the Repository
Misguided Angel
Bloody Valentin
Lost In Time
Gates of Paradise

The Beauchamp Family:
Witches of East End
Serpent's Kiss
Winds of Salem

Wolf Pact:
Wolf Pact I
Wolf Pact II
Wolf Pact III
Wolf Pact IV

Thursday, January 17, 2013

[Review] - Interview with the Vampire: Claudia's Story by Anne Rice & Ashley Marie Witter

Title: Interview with the Vampire: Claudia's Story
Author: Anne Rice & Ashley Marie Witter
Genre: Horror/Graphic Novel
Release Date: November 20, 2013

Summary: A New Voice Is Added To The Vampire Chronicles!

A richly-illustrated graphic novel adaptation of Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire, told through the eyes of the vampire Claudia, who was just a little girl when she was turned by the vampire Lestat.

Though she spends many years of happiness with her two vampire fathers, she gradually grows discontent with their insistence upon treating her like a little girl, even though she has lived as long as any mortal man...and her lust to kill is certainly no less than theirs...

Thoughts: If you are a Anne Rice fan you already know the story of Interview with the Vampire. But with this adaptation, it is told through the eyes of Claudia. This graphic novel was a must read for me - being Interview with the Vampire was my first vampire love. I wasn't a let down either.

The art is absolutely beautiful. Some of the best I've come across. Claudia's existence and death was more heart breaking and sad in this graphic novel then it ever was in the movie or book. You get a real sense of her loneliness and rage. You feel for this women who is stuck in a child's body. A must read for Anne Rice fans.

Score: 4 Stars

Author Website:
http://www.annerice.com/
http://www.ashleywitter.com/

The Vampire Chronicles:
Interview with the Vampire
The Vampire Lestat
The Queen of the Damned
The Tale of the Body Thief
Memnoch the Devil
The Vampire Armand
Merrick
Blood and Gold
Blackwood Farm
Blood Canticle

Monday, July 9, 2012

[Review + Giveaway] - House of Night, Issue #1

Title: House of Night #1
Writers: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Artists: Kent Dallan, Joelle Jones & Karl Kerschl
Cover Artists: Jenny Frison & Steve Morris (variant cover)
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: November 2011

Summary: Until recently, Zoey Redbird was an average high-school student worrying about grades, boys, and breakouts. But priorities have a way of changing when you are marked as a vampyre, enroll in the vampyre academy House of Night, and have to figure out a whole new social hierarchy, affinities for elemental magic, and physiological changes that make you crave blood.

Follow Zoey, and her group of devoted friends, as they turn to The Fledgling Handbook, a historical vampyre tome, in hopes of better understanding this big, new world of vampyrism.

Thoughts: Zoey's life has drastically changed in a very short amount of time. So, when she becomes the new leader of the Daughters of Darkness it's no surprise that she is doubting herself and feeling lost.

Going into reading this first issue I thought it was gonna be Marked (book #1) in comic book form. But it's new scenes that take place in the storyline of Betrayed (book #2). I enjoyed the story. Especially the part that tells the story of Freya the Viking Goddess. The art inside is pretty good, but I love the art work of the covers much more. The girl depicted on the cover is close to how I picture Zoey. Fans of this series I will love the new story.

Score: 3 Stars

Author Website:
http://www.pccast.net/
http://www.houseofnightseries.com/

Purchase Links:
Single Issues- Things From Another World
Volume #1- Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Things From Another World

GIVEAWAY:

It's been a while since I did a giveaway for comics, so I thought this would be a good time to do it. :) I have put together a comic book pack to giveaway. To enter leave a comment telling me who your favorite superhero is, along with your email address. Open to U.S. residents. The winner will be announced on July 13th.

Vampire Academy graphic novel

House of Night Issue #1

Star Wars Invasion: Rescues Issue #1

Farscape Issue #2

BTVS Season 9: Freefall Issue #2

BTVS Season 9: On your Own Issue #1

Wizard #1/2: Buffy & Angel

Thursday, December 22, 2011

[Review] - Storm Born, Issue #4

Title: Storm Born, Issue #4
Writers: Richelle Mead & Grant Alter
Artists: Dave Hamann
Cover Artists: Dave Hamann & Jennyson Rosero
Series: Dark Swan
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: August 2011

I received this book for review from Sea Lion Books.

Summary: Yesterday, Eugenie Markham thought her life was complicated. But today, she will learn a secret that shakes her world to its very core. Everything she thought she knew was wrong. And if that wasn't enough, she still has Jasmine Delaney hanging over her head...

Thoughts: All hell breaks loose. Eugenie is betrayed in this issue, making her a very unhappy camper. More secrets come to light that Eugenie doesn't want to believe. Another great issue. I'm loving this series. The colorful art and action keeps the story moving along. Kiyo reappears. Definitely one of the high points to the story. Eugenie so obviously attracted to him, but still trying hard to stay away from him. This issue had a fantastic cliff hanger ending. I look forward to more.

Score: 4 Stars

Where to Buy: Sea Lion Books | Things From Another World

Friday, November 25, 2011

[Review] - Pariah, Issue #4

Title: Pariah, Issue #4
Writers: Aron Warner, Philip Gelatt
Artists: Brett Weldele
Cover Artists: Brett Weldele
Series: Pariah
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: October 2011

I received this book for review from Sea Lion Books.

Summary: Issue #4 gives us the origins of Franklin Hyde. His hopes for vitros and how sad and badly it backfires.

Thoughts: This issue features Franklin Hyde. He has brought all the vitros together, to take them to a place he calls "A place for us to be free". He is a vitros himself, but hasn't complete convinced some of the others this isn't a con. We also learn that Franklin didn't have a very good childhood. Both his parents have powerful positions and have hidden him away from the outside world because of what he is.

Good story! I felt bad for Franklin Hyde. He has lived quite a lonely existence, One of his parents making. They were ignorant and cruel and treated him different because of what he is. Another great character, loved that he took a stand for himself and others like him. Wow! I wasn't expecting that ending at all. Can't wait to read more.

Score: 4 Stars

Book Website: http://www.pariahonline.com/wp/

Saturday, October 22, 2011

[Review] - Pariah, Issue #3

Title: Pariah, Issue #3
Writers: Aron Warner, Philip Gelatt
Artists: Brett Weldele
Cover Artists: Brett Weldele
Series: Pariah
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: September 2011

Summary: Robert Maudsley knows what makes us tick. He knows what people want, need, hate and love. He can use that knowledge to get us to do whatever he wants, no matter how dangerous, immoral or repugnant that might be. Maudsley has no moral compass. He has no compassion. But he's very curious about how far he can push people and what he can get away with. Maudsley wants to rule the world... to control us all. Maudsley is 15 years old.

Thoughts: This issue revolves around Robert Maudsley. He is a very, very smart 15 year old. He knows what he is doing but doesn't care. Conniving and very dangerous. This was definitely an interesting part of the story.

The story begins in 2023, two years before The Marinus Incident and we are introduced to Robert Maudsley. This guy and what he can do is kinda scary, but I very much enjoyed his story. I loved the coloring in this one, it really sets the tone. So far I'm loving this comic. Each issue brings a new story of a different teenager. Looking forward to reading more.

Score: 4 Stars

Where to Buy:

Sea Lion Books

Check out the rest of the videos at Pariah's YouTube Channel.

Friday, October 14, 2011

[Review] - Pariah, Issue #2

Title: Pariah, Issue #2
Writers: Aron Warner, Philip Gelatt
Artists: Brett Weldele
Cover Artists: Brett Weldele
Series: Pariah
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: August 2011

I received this book for review from Sea Lion Books.

Summary: Why are the most elite black-ops forces chasing a 16 year old girl across the country? Why can't they find her? And why do they want to kill her? Because they think Lila Ellerman is a terrorist who released a deadly virus into the wild. But really, she's just a girl with a crush on a guy named Brandon.

Yes, she’s figured out the science of controlling anti-matter, but that doesn’t make her a criminal. Will she be able to protect her friends and keep them from being taken prisoner, or worse?

Thoughts: The issue is set in Montana 2025 and we are introduced to Lila Ellerman formally of The Marinus Labs. Like Brent from issue #1 she is a vitros. She is being hunted down because of what she is and her knowledge. But she's done nothing wrong or the criminal they claim she is. First off let me say the cover art for this issue is outstanding, I love it. Lila is very strong character, I enjoyed reading about her. Pariah #2 is another action filled story. If you love dystopian or futuristic stories you'll want to check this one out.

Score: 4 Stars

Where to Buy:
Comixology (digital downloads) | Sea Lion Books

Check out the rest of the videos at Pariah's YouTube Channel.

[Review] - Pariah, Issue #1

Title: Pariah, Issue #1
Writers: Aron Warner, Philip Gelatt
Artists: Brett Weldele
Cover Artists: Brett Weldele
Series: Pariah
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: June 2011

I received this book for review from Sea Lion Books.

Summary: Brent Marks is not a freak. He's one of the "PARIAH", a group of teens who become extremely intelligent after being cured of a genetic disorder. Although in most ways a normal teen, Brent is considered dangerous and is tracked down by the government who see these kids as an enormous threat.

Can he evade them? What do they have planned for Brent and the others?

Thoughts: Set in Akron, Ohio - in the year 2025. Issue #1 introduces you to Brent Marks, who just wants normalcy. But he is a vitro. A vitro is a person who was cured of genetic disorder. Being cured has resulted in high intelligence. As of just recently all vitros are now considered dangerous and part of a terrorist cell.

Prior to reading it I hadn't heard of Pariah, but I'm glad I got a chance to check it out. I enjoyed both the characters and story. Pariah is both dark and funny. Brent Marks is captivating character. I loved the futuristic setting, it had me eager to learn more about this world. I thought the art was fantastic, I love the gritty feel to it.

Score: 4 Stars

Where to Buy:
Comixology (digital downloads) | Sea Lion Books | Things From Another World

Check out the rest of the video's at Pariah's YouTube Channel.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

[Review] - Storm Born, Issue #3

Title: Storm Born, Issue #3
Writers: Richelle Mead & Grant Alter
Artists: Dave Hamann
Cover Artists: Dave Hamann & Jennyson Rosero
Series: Dark Swan
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Release Date: September 21, 2011

I received this issue for review from Sea Lion Books.

Summary: Eugenie Markham is a freelance shaman, guarding our world from the invasion of Otherworldly creatures. Eugenie has decided to cross into the Otherworld alone to rescue Jasmine a girl no else will.

Entering one of the most dangerous dimensions alone isn't easy or safe but no one ever said being a hero was. Unfortunately for Eugenie, she will come face to face with her past and learn truths she would have preferred were left buried.

Thoughts: Eugenie journeys into the Otherworld, to find the missing Jasmine, but she is careful to bring some help with her. The action in Issue #3 is a bit tame compared to the other installments, but still wonderful. Dazzling art with vibrant colors. The Otherworld reveals temptations and secrets from the past for Eugenie. All I say is give me more. I'm loving this graphic novel. I'm hooked on the story. I didn't think I would enjoy it this much. Dark Swan is quickly becoming a must read.

Score: 4 Stars

Where to Buy:

Storm Born Issue #1 (out now) Things From Another World
Dark Swan Vol. 1 (October 4, 2011) Amazon & Things From Another World

Click to enlarge the graphics. All graphics were posted with the permission of the publisher.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

[Review] - Storm Born, Issue #2

Title: Storm Born, Issue #2
Writers: Richelle Mead & Grant Alter
Artists: Dave Hamann
Cover Artists: Dave Hamann & Jennyson Rosero
Series: Dark Swan
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Release Date: June 2011

I received this issue for review from Sea Lion Books.

Summary: Eugenie Markham is a freelance shaman, guarding our world from the invasion of Otherworldy creatures. Those who try have "The Dark Swan" to contend with.

But Eugenie's about to cross into the Otherworld alone to rescue a girl that nobody else will. Will she make it back across alive?

Thoughts: In the second issue of Storm Born, Eugenie comes to terms with the fact she can no long ignore all the creatures from Otherworld finding her and actually knowing who she is and her real name. She finds this very fact disturbing, so she takes on case of finding the lost Jasmine.

In issue #1 Eugenie meets the very hunky Kiyo who is brutally honest, but also quite mysterious. The intimate scenes are sexy. But were tastefully done. Issue #2 finds them still in bed together, when danger strikes and the actions of Kiyo shake Eugenie deeply. A fantastic piece of the story, I'm loving the action. It's flows smoothly and grabs your attention for more. Eugenie is a much more fiercer character than I originally thought, I can't wait to read more.

Score: 4 Stars

Where to Buy:

Storm Born, Issue #2 (out now)- Sea Lion Books
Dark Swan Vol. 1 (October 4, 2011) Amazon & Things From Another World

Click to enlarge the graphics. All graphics were posted with the permission of the publisher.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

[Review] - Storm Born, Issue #1

Title: Storm Born, Issue #1
Writers: Richelle Mead & Grant Alter
Artists: Dave Hamann
Cover Artists: Dave Hamann & Jennyson Rosero
Series: Dark Swan
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Release Date: May 2011

I received this issue for review from Sea Lion Books.

Summary: Eugenie Markham never asked for any of this. Until now, she's been content with her job as a freelance shaman, battling and banished Otherworldly creatures. When a prophecy suddenly makes her the Otherworld's most popular bacherlorette, Eugenie finds herself fighting off unwanted supernatural suitors, as well as the evils that begin emerging from her past...

Thoughts: While I'm a big fan of the Vampire Academy and Georgina Kincaid I have yet to start Mead's Dark Swan series. So, when I got the chance to review the graphic novel, I jumped at the chance.

The first issue propels you right into the thick of Eugenie Markham's life, as she cast a powerful ghost from a ordinary shoe. Issue #1 is fast paced and the energy was great. I loved the start of this story, I wish I picked this one up long before now. Eugenie is everything I like in my heroines, mouthy and kick ass. The art pops off the page. Especially the look of Eugenie, I think she is captured better here, then in the mass market book covers. Whether you are a fan of graphic novels or the Dark Swan series, you won't want to miss this one.

Score: 4 Stars

Where to Buy:
Storm Born, Issue #1 (out now!)- Sea Lion Books
Dark Swan Vol. 1 (October 4, 2011) Amazon & Things From Another World

Click to enlarge the graphics. All graphics were posted with the permission of the publisher.

Friday, September 23, 2011

[Promo] - Hush, Hush: The Graphic Novel

HUSH, HUSH

the graphic novel

Writer(s): Becca Fitzpatrick, Derek Ruiz

Artist Name(s): Jennyson, Mel Joy

Cover Artist(s): Johan

Release Date: November 8, 2011

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She is never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora is not sure who to trust.

Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She cannot decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen — and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life!

http://www.beccafitzpatrick.com/

http://sealionbooks.com/

Thanks to Sea Lion Books I have a Hush, Hush wallpaper to share with you. Click the graphic to view a bigger image.