[Review]* Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: The First Death (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Graphic Novels 0.5) by Laurell K. Hamilton

Summary:

Her fans have been asking for it - now, Laurell K. Hamilton delivers a look into Anita Blake's past! Written by Laurell K. Hamilton herself, along with Jonathon Green, The First Death takes place almost a year before the events being chronicled in Guilty Pleasures. Witness the first meeting of Anita and Jean-Claude, Anita's first time inside Guilty Pleasures, her first serial-killer case, and an early encounter with Edward. Prepare to be thrilled by this original story produced especially for comics! Collects Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: The First Death #1-2 and Anita Blake: Guilty Pleasures Handbook.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 128 pages (Paperback)

Available Formats: Print Paperback & Print Hardcover

Source: Borrowed from the Lady of the blog

Publication Date: January 28th 2009 by Marvel

Hi. My name's Darren but around here I'm know as Mr. Turning the Pages.I'm glad I can do a guest review on the blog again since I did one a few year ago. Truthfully I don't read a lot. So I will be reviewing the prequel graphic novel to the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton. Now, I'm not traditionally a huge reader though some books do sometimes grab my attention, but I've always been more of a graphic novel reader myself.

As for Anita Blake it's a popular book series that has been now given the graphic novel treatment. So often with the case of graphic novel things don't translate over well to graphic comics which leads to some terrible results. It could be the writing stinks, it could be bad artwork that doesn't match the story and characters etc. The point is it will kill the series even before the series can get off the ground. When it comes to Anita Blake, the transition from a novel series to a graphic novel series has had very good results. In fact if Anita Blake was done right it could make an excellent movie, television show, or even a video game.In my opinion this series would make a kickass show for HBO or Netflix.

Where to begin. I really loved the artwork. Wellinton Alves, the artist did a great job with the art and it really matched the feel of the characters, the setting, locations, story. I really thought the artwork matched the mature content of the story as well.The characters and the story were both equally developed which of course are very, very important to the quality of the graphic novel as a whole. I found the characters and story engaging from the get go. Anita Blake the main character of course is a beautiful, strong woman who can more than take care of herself. Her character has depth and left me wanting to know more about her. The other characters that are introduced really make a strong debut as well. In fact the characters all compliment each other rather nicely.

The First Death is gritty, sexy, violent, sometimes will be disturbing to some people. It's a mature graphic novel and not one that should be read by kids that's for sure. It actually isn't as bad as it sounds, it's just more of a warning so if somebody does read it they can have an idea of the mature content. Anita Blake kind of reminds me of the HBO series True Blood, but better. The Lady of Turning the Pages loves this series and has been wanting me to try it as long as we've been together and she loves both the graphic novels and novels. She can testify of the quality in this book. I actually borrowed this from her. I plan to start up the second one which is Guilty Pleasures Volume One this week this is gr
eat because a lot of the time I lose interest in continuing to read. However The First Death makes me want to keep reading this series.

I'd recommend The First Death to people who are looking into getting into comics/graphic novels but maybe don't want one that is about superheroes, fans of Anita Blake and readers who are just looking to try something different for a change.

Thanks for having me on the blog Kimberly, and thanks folks for reading my review.

Really Liked It

★★★★

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I Love Him to Pieces (My Boyfriend Is a Monster #1) by Evonne Tsang & Janina Gorrissen

Summary:

Can love survive the zombie apocalypse? Maybe Dicey's first chance at a real relationship was dead from the start. She's the star of her high school baseball team, and Jack's the star of the science program. Her idea of a study session includes sleeping in the sun, and his idea of a good game involves dungeons and dice. But opposites start attracting when they're assigned to be partners in a class project. Now an outbreak of a weird infection--it eats your brains and leaves you hungry for more--might not mean just the end of their first date. It might mean the end of everything. Will their relationship fall apart faster than zombies in the Florida sun, or can Dicey and Jack beat the odds and find a happy ending?
Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 123 pages (Paperback)
Source: Toronto Public Library
Available Formats: Print/E-book
Publication Date: 2011 by Graphic Universe (first published August 1st 2010)            


I picked I Love Him to Pieces on a whim when I was making the rounds at the library a couple weeks back and totally forgot about reading it until the Ides of March Read-A-Thon came around. I was a little hesitant in picking this one up since I haven't had the best experience with teen graphic novels like these but this one turned out to be a really pleasant surprise.

I like Dicey and Jack a lot. Dicey was a really fun character. She was the lone girl on her high school baseball team, but she was also really smart and like a lot of teen romances this one came about because she was paired with Jack who is a total nerd for a school project. The two of them were really cute together and I like how they both took their time with coming to the conclusion that they liked each other and I enjoyed that they started off as friends before deciding to date

The zombie aspect of this short, but well written graphic novel to me was well done but a little unoriginal. It had the typical zombie apocalypse due to a medical problem but still I liked the way it was handled in I Love Him to Pieces because it wasn't all about zombies. It was about two kids who liked each other getting stuck in the middle of ground zero and having to survive until help arrives in the form of Jack's parents who are both doctors with the CDC who are the main doctors on the case looking for a cure for the disease.

Overall, I thought Janina Gorrissen's artwork was great, and well suited not only for the audience's age group, but for making the scenes match perfectly with the written element of the book which was equally as good thanks to Evonne Tsang. I thought this was a refreshing read, that wasn't too romance or too zombie focused but a light mix of both and I liked how FUN this was to read because the characters were just so cute and likable together and I can tell you Dicey definitely wears the pants in this budding relationship.

My only two issues with the novel  were that I wish it was longer than the 123 pages. To me an extra 10 to 15 pages would have been good because I would have loved to see how Dicey and Jack got on afterwards even though the author offered an epilogue, I would have loved a bit more. Second, I would have liked more of a character background for our couple because I found that lacking a touch.

I would recommend I Love Him to Pieces to fans of graphic novels, who are looking for a quick and easy read in the teen graphic novel genre. This one was very cohesive and didn't fall apart in terms of the illustrations matching the story line and it was above all else. Fun. I can't wait to read more by this duo.

Really Enjoyed It!
★ ★ ★ ★

 

 

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The Eye of the World: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1 (The Wheel of Time - Graphic Novels #1) by Robert Jordan, Chuck Dixon, Chase Conley

 

 

 

Summary:

 

With the full cooperation of the Jordan estate, The Eye of the World has been turned into a stunning comic book series written by Chuck Dixon and illustrated by Chase Conley. The first Robert Jordan graphic novel, New Spring: the Graphic Novel, was a New York Times bestseller.

The Eye of the World: The Graphic Novel, Volume One begins Robert Jordan’s epic fantasy tale by introducing Rand al’Thor and his friends Matrim and Perrin at the spring festival. Moiraine Damodred and Lan Mandragoran appear, and almost before Rand knows it, he and his friends are fleeing his home village with Moiraine, Lan, and Egwene al’Vere, the innkeeper’s daughter, who wishes to become an Aes Sedai. The conclusion of this volume leaves the travelers on the road to Baerlon, barely ahead of the pursuing Trollocs and Draghkar. As they run for their lives, Moiraine and Lan begin to teach the young people what they need to know to survive in this dangerous world.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 240 pages (Hardcover)

Source: Toronto Public Library

Available Formats: Print

Publication Date: September 13th 2011 by Tor Books

 

For the last 10 years my best friend has been trying to get me to read The Wheel of Time series and while I do own most of the series I didn't take the plunge until last night when I picked up the graphic novel adaptation after borrowing it on a whim from the library.

 

The artwork in this volume was nothing short of fantastic. I loved the style the artists implemented. The colours were dark but they really popped off the pages. The artistry went hand in hand with the story was being told and I felt myself drawn even closer to the story because of them.

 

The story itself was great. While I haven't read the actual full length novel version I feel that this was a very good graphic novel adaptation. It was longer than I expected and I there was a lot more text in the story than I would usually find in an adaptation. I liked all the characters a lot and I'm really intrigued by the whole mythology of the story that was told. There was far more detail than I expected and I think that helped make the story all that much more successful.

 

I'm not a big high fantasy fan, mostly because I don't have that much reading experience of the genre under my belt but I really see what all the hype around this series is about. There's a lot going on within the pages of this graphic novel and it surprised me by sucking me into the world within the pages so completely. After reading this I am definitely going to be starting the novel version very soon and can't wait to read more of Robert Jordan's work. I also plan to continue reading the series of graphic novels that follow this one.

 

I highly recommend this to all Wheel of Time fans by Robert Jordan as well as to people who haven't read the books before, who, like me are curious to see if it's something they like. Plus if you're a lover of graphic novels like I am I suggest giving this one a try also because it's the whole package.

 

Really Liked it!
★★★★

 

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The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Tim Conrad

 

Summary:

 

Tim Conrad adapts Victor Hugo's classic romance about a beautiful gypsy girl, Esmeralda, who is framed for murder by the infatuated archdeacon of Notre Dame. Only Quasimodo, the hideously deformed bell ringer of the cathedral, can save her. Religious extremism, class distinction, fate, destiny, and sexual dynamics are played out in a rousing yarn of intrigue within the walls of the Parisian Cathedral of Notre Dame. This is Tim Conrad's first foray back into comics in twenty years. Beautifully illustrated. Packed with emotion. Not to be missed!

Summary & Photo taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 48 pages

Source: NetGalley ARC

Publication Date: July 18th 2012 by Dark Horse Comics

 

I suppose I should admit that my only experience with The Hunchback of Notre Dame is with the Disney film of the same name. I've been carting around the novel by Victor Hugo for the past 2 times that I've moved but still have not brought myself to read it. It's an intimidating novel, and since I've started blogging a lot of the longer novels on my TBR pile have fallen to the wayside. Which is why when I had the opportunity to request this one from NetGalley I was over the moon especially since Tim Conrad was illustrating it.

 

However all my hopes were dashed as soon as I started reading this graphic novel. I'd seen some of the artists other works and thought that they were utterly fantastic. When it came to his adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame I thought he really dropped the ball. The illustrations were to me, poorly drawn and horribly executed. His technique while it may appeal to some people it didn't for me.

 

I also didn't like how the classic novel was adapted to graphic novel. It fell very flat for me as you could tell MAJOR parts of the novel were not included. True, the graphic novel is only 48 pages long but it was as if the one liners were the only things being implemented and used as a story line so the flow of the story was broken up tremendously.

 

For those reasons, I had a difficult time wanting to stay reading this graphic novel. I would not recommend this to anyone except maybe kids to perhaps get them interested in the classics but even then I would be hard pressed to recommend it. If you do want to read it despite my misgivings (I encourage you to try it for yourself) then I would suggest you borrow it from your local library.

 

Not for me!
★

 

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The Silence of Our Friends by Mark Long, Jim Demonakos, Nate Powell (Illustrator)

Summary:
As the civil rights struggle heats up in Texas, two families—one white, one black—find common ground. This semi-autobiographical tale is set in 1967 Texas, against the backdrop of the fight for civil rights. A white family from a notoriously racist neighborhood in the suburbs and a black family from its poorest ward cross Houston’s color line, overcoming humiliation, degradation, and violence to win the freedom of five black college students unjustly charged with the murder of a policeman.
The Silence of Our Friends follows events through the point of view of young Mark Long, whose father is a reporter covering the story. Semi-fictionalized, this story has its roots solidly in very real events. With art from the brilliant Nate Powell (Swallow Me Whole) bringing the tale to heart-wrenching life, The Silence of Our Friends is a new and important entry in the body of civil rights literature.
Summary taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 208 pages
Source: Toronto Public Library
Publication Date: January 17th 2012 by First Second         


When I found this one in the library I was really excited to read it, because  I'm always very interested in the civil rights struggle and I had seen some pretty decent reviews of this one floating around the internet so I thought why not? Let's give it a go.

Now while I understand that the author used some of his own experiences in writing the graphic novel I thought that the story line was flat. The graphic novel started out on a high note, but it quickly went down hill because the story was so fragmented in my opinion it was hard to know what was going on because it jumped so wildly from page to page in terms of the story line.

I will say thought that the author did give a good portrayal of the south during this period and that came through in the illustrations which I thought were really good, I thought the style of the artwork suited the time period in which the grqaphic novel was set and for me the artwork was the only thing that I enjoyed about the graphic novel.

I probably wouldn't recommend this graphic novel to anyone just because of how I felt about it though don't let that stop you because I seem to be in the minority for this one.  If you are going to try it be warned there are some racial slurs in it as well as a few F-Bombs as well.

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Not for me!
★

30 Days of Night by Sam Kieth

Summary:
Fright-master Steve Niles returns to the creation that launched his career for an all-new 30 Days of Night series, with warped genius Sam Kieth handling the art duties. Features an all-new cast of characters being introduced to the world of 30 Days of Night for the first time!
Summary taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 104 pages (e-book)
Source: NetGalley ARC
Publication Date: April 17th 2012 by IDW Publishing (first published January 1st 2012)             

I love graphic novels.
Surprised?
Some of you might be, and that's perfectly fine. I know that not as many girls are into reading graphic novels much less reviewing them but thanks to Mr. Turning The Pages I now have a great love for them.
The reason I really wanted to read/review this one was because I loved the movie 30 Days of Night, and I've been meaning to give the graphic novels a chance so I had very high hopes for this one. However I was sorely disappointed.

Usually IDW has great graphic novels but I just could not get into this one at all. The only saving grace about it was the artwork which was fantastic. I just really wish that the the story line was better. I didn't like it at all. It was a quick read of course but it just lacked substance and felt to me as though it could have been a million times better.

I will however be continuing the series because I hope that it gets better as it goes on but if the next one is no better than I'll have to say so long, farewell to 30 Days of Night. I personally wouldn't recommend this one to many people except maybe those who've liked the other graphic novels.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.

Not for me!
★

Afrika by Hermann Huppen

Summary:

Dark Horse proudly presents this gorgeously illustrated masterpiece by Belgian comics creator Hermann, available in English for the first time A misanthropic European expatriate, Dario Ferrer, acts as guardian of a Tanzanian wildlife preserve. Accompanied by Charlotte, a naive European journalist, Ferrer discovers a village under fire from mysterious agents of the foreign-backed government. Ferrer and Charlotte must fight not only to protect the preserve, but to expose government corruption - and survive to see another day. Born in 1938, Hermanns childhood was marked by WWII and the early need to earn a living on his own. He tried various professions and studied fine arts in Belgium, but he didn''t get into comic books until later in life when his first story was published in a magazine. In 1979 he started his first solo volume, Jeremiah, which he continues publishing today. He is known to be a hard-working, demanding writer constantly attempting new things. His works include Comanche and Towers of Bois-Maury among others.

Summary taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 64 pages

Source: NetGalley ARC

Publication Date: March 27th 2012 by Dark Horse Comics         

If you've been reading my blog for awhile you'll know that I love books about Africa fiction or non-fiction I read a lot of stuff about the continent (I want to live there one day). So when I saw that this graphic novel (I love graphic novels thanks to Mr.Turning The Pages!) was available for review on NetGalley I HAD to have it. Lucky for me they accepted my request.

Once I first opened the Galley on e-pub I was blown away by the art work. It's superbly illustrated by a true master of sequential art. For me this was my first time reading anything by this legendary writer and illustrator. The artwork is perfectly suited for the story line and you can tell that the whole piece was put together with a deft hand and it is in fact a masterpiece.

While it is only 64 pages long the graphic novel seems much longer than that due to the way the story of Dario is told through both the written word and the artwork. While reading it much of Dario's nature come out not only by what is being read but through the illustrations which Huppen coordinated beautifully.

This is definitely for a more mature audience just because of sex, swearing and mature situations, but really who am I kidding the kids are still going to read it. At least they can learn how to appreciate artwork from a master. I love the mastery in which the tale was woven and it gave me a real sense of adventure to read it, almost as if I were there with Dario hearing the gunfire or trapezing through the bush.

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*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.

 

★ ★ ★ ★

 

 

American Vampire Vol. One (American Vampire, #1) by Scott Snyder (Goodreads Author), Stephen King, Rafael Albuquerque (Illustrator)

Summary:

This volume follows two stories: one written by Snyder and one written by King. Snyder's story is set in 1920's LA, we follow Pearl, a young woman who is turned into a vampire and sets out on a path of righteous revenge against the European Vampires who tortured and abused her. This story is paired with King's story, a western about Skinner Sweet, the original American Vampire-- a stronger, faster creature than any vampire ever seen before with rattlesnake fangs and powered by the sun.

Summary taken from goodreads.com

Length: 200 pages (Hardcover)

Source: Toronto Public Library

Publication Date: October 5th 2010

I've been dying to read this graphic novel for about 8 months now ever since I've heard people raving about it so when I finally got it from the library last week I was so excited to read it.

My excitement quickly turned to dismay.

I haven't been able to find many really good books (including graphic novels) this year. I'm thinking it's because I read so many excellent ones last year that I've raised the bar and now I'm struggling to find more good ones to read.

For me the story jumped around way to much from past to present and their seemed to be a major disconnect between the story and the characters because everything was just to rushed and jumbled together.

Usually graphic novels are quick reads for me. This was so annoying for me to read that it took me an hour longer than most graphic novels would take me. The only redeemable things about this graphic novel is that the artwork was phenomenally done and the idea behind the story were excellent. Unfortunately for me this one fell short of my expectations which is why I gave it such a low rating. However, I am willing to try volume 2 and see if the story gets any better but I doubt that I'll give it a try any time soon.

★ ★

The Talisman Volume One: The Road of Trials by Stephen King and Peter Straub

Summary:
The spellbinding saga of The Talisman is now a stunning graphic novel, vividly illustrated by artist Tony Shasteen. Here’s a bold new look at the classic tale of treachery and betrayal that could only have sprung from the imaginations of master storytellers Stephen King and Peter Straub.

In a run-down amusement park on a desolate beach in New Hampshire, thirteen-year-old Jack Sawyer is about to learn some hard truths—about his father’s death, about why he and his mother are on the run from his sinister uncle Morgan, and about the real nature of the mysterious realm Jack once called the Daydreams. Now, with help from his newfound friend Speedy Parker, this young man will reclaim his identity as Travellin Jack and make his first foray back into the Territories to retrieve the magical Talisman, an object of immense cosmic significance. Yet even more important to Jack, the Talisman holds the key to saving his mother’s life. In the Terrorities, where monsters lurk, evil watches, and an unbelievably precious prize awaits, Jack embarks upon a desperate quest to fulfill a destiny he never sought but cannot escape.

The Talisman: The Road of Trials comprises Issues 0 through 5 of the thrilling comic book series and features original, never-before-seen material, including interviews and early sketches. Be warned: Once you’ve seen the Talisman, nothing will ever be the same.
Summary taken from GoodReads.com
Length: 160 pages (hardcover)
Source: Toronto Public Library
Publication Date:  May 4th 2010

WHY did I do this to myself?
WHY did the first graphic novel of the year have to be such a bad apple?
Now I've heard that this is a graphic novel that you don't have to have read the original novel version of first before you read this. I liked that because I'm not a fan of Stephen King at all. However even that fact could not get me to like this graphic novel.

The only positive thing that I do have to say about it is that the artwork was fabulous. It was drawn beautifully, the colours were amazing and the artist did a great job with the characters and the scenes.

I did not like how the novel was adapted. Yes I obviously know I didn't read the bovel but I've read enough graphic novels to know that this one was poorly adapted. For one everything was oddly placed it was as though who ever adapted it for this format just threw random lines on the pages and often times the lines were unimportant and made it feel as if there were big GIGANTIC plot and character holes. It was ridiculous! By the end of the book I was lost because the text was lacking so much I barely knew what was going on and it upset me. I hate not knowing what's going on but I have to face facts this book just wasn't for me and I would never recommend it to anyone in a million years I hated it so much.

★

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: The First Death by Laurell K. Hamilton

Summary:
Her fans have been asking for it - now, Laurell K. Hamilton delivers a look into Anita Blake's past! Written by Laurell K. Hamilton herself, along with Jonathon Green, The First Death takes place almost a year before the events being chronicled in Guilty Pleasures. Witness the first meeting of Anita and Jean-Claude, Anita's first time inside Guilty Pleasures, her first serial-killer case, and an early encounter with Edward. Prepare to be thrilled by this original story produced especially for comics! Collects Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: The First Death #1-2 and Anita Blake: Guilty Pleasures Handbook.
Summary taken from Goodreads.com

It's been many ears since I first discovered the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton and have only read a third of the series I've been left wondering how Anita met Jean-Claude. This explained it perfectly. It wasn't the best graphic novel I've read in the series but it was still good. I'm a sucker for the artwork. I think it's absolutely stunning! The story was short since the last half of the book is a spoiler-ish half where it summarizes Guilty Pleasusres and gives you info on characters and stuff.
This is something I would tell other fans to read and I enjoyed it. Go check it out people :)

★ ★ ★ 1/2

The Good Neighbors Book One: Kin by Holly Black

Summary: Rue Silver's mother has disappeared . . . and her father has been arrested, suspected of killing her. But it's not as straightforward as that. Because Rue is a faerie, like her mother was. And her father didn't kill her mother -- instead, he broke a promise to Rue's faerie king grandfather, which caused Rue's mother to be flung back to the faerie world. Now Rue must go to save her -- and must also defeat a dark faerie that threatens our very mortal world.

Summary taken from Goodreads.com

Generally I stay away from the teen graphic novels because they just don't seem to live up to my expectations. However, last weekend despite my previous let downs I borrowed several teen graphic novels. This happened to be one of them.

Now I've never read any of Holly Black's other works, but I have heard very mixed reviews but the general consensus has seemed to be that she's an "alright" author. Not good and not bad but smack dab in the middle.

I was hoping that I would be in the minority of those who enjoyed her work a lot. Unfortunately, I was smack dab in the middle. Maybe it's because this was a graphic novel and not a novel who knows. I suppose I will have to give one of her novels a try by borrowing it from the library.

I found the writing to be weak. The character building was poorly done. It seems as if Black was trying to make the main character Rue seem way too emo for my tastes. The girl sees faeries. That doesn't mean that she has to be EMO just because she sees things that others cannot. Black just tried to hard to build her characters which in my opinion fell flat.

I felt that the story fell flat. It was like half the story was missing. I understand that she wanted to leave some things unsaid in order to carry on to the second and third books in The Good Neighbors Trilogy.

I did however like the art in this graphic novel. It was well done and I found it to be the main saving grace of the entire work. It is because of the art that I boosted the rating up from 2 stars to 2.5

I would recommend this graphic novels to people who like YA, Graphic Novels and Faeries...so I'd basically recommend it to most teenage girls. I do plan on reading the rest of the Trilogy in hopes that this was just a weak start since I already have them out from the series.