Comics in February - The Saga Series by Brian K. Vaughan - A Review

In February, a group of us read comics. I am all over the place in my participation each year... Sometimes I mention it, sometimes I want to join and hardly do, and then other February's are all about the comics... And, here I attempt to discuss some of the comics that I read. 

Saga - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe.

From bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan, Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults.

The series starts off where we are introduced to basically all the characters we are going to come across in the series. A few others will make appearances later, but these are the characters we mostly want to concentrate on in the series anyway. The story is told by Hazel, the daughter of Marko and Alana. Marko and Alana met under strange circumstances, he is a prisoner and she is a guard, and they fall in love. When we meet them, they are on the run with their daughter. The idea is that Hazel is looking back on her life and narrates the events. It works really well for the story. I especially love how the women in this series are written as strong, powerful women. The mix of different cultures, races, skin colour, gender, etc. is handled really well right from the start.

From award-winning writer BRIAN K. VAUGHAN (Pride of Baghdad, Ex Machina) and critically acclaimed artist FIONA STAPLES (Mystery Society, Done to Death), SAGA is sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. Thanks to her star-crossed parents Marko and Alana, newborn baby Hazel has already survived lethal assassins, rampaging armies, and horrific monsters, but in the cold vastness of outer space, the little girl encounters her strangest adventure yet... grandparents.

Enter the grandparents... Marko's parents to be exact. They understandably think the worst about the fact that Marko has run off with another race and do not react well to the union. Things get interesting really quickly because when they arrived, Marko's mother banished Hazel's baby-sitter, a ghost named Isabel, to another planet and Marko finds himself having to go rescue her. His mother joins him, so that leaves Alana, Hazel, and Marko's father to do some bonding. They are also still on the run from hired mercanaries. We learn that one of the people after them is Marko's ex, Gwen. Then there is The Will who is accompanied by Lying Cat. I love Lying Cat! There is a lot seemingly going on, but it all works and the artwork by Fiona Staples is fantastic!

From the Hugo Award-winning duo of Brian K. Vaughan (The Private Eye, Y: The Last Man) and Fiona Staples (North 40, Red Sonja), Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. Searching for their literary hero, new parents Marko and Alana travel to a cosmic lighthouse on the planet Quietus, while the couple's multiple pursuers finally close in on their targets.

In this volume, the family finds themselves on Quietus. You see, there is this author that wrote a book that at first glance is a silly romance, but when you get to the depth of it, you find a story of the war. It is a book that is essentially about what is happening with Marko and Alana. Alana is a huge fan and she really wants to meet the author who lives on Quietus. This detour doesn't go well, though, because some of the people after them catch up with them. One such is the Robot Prince. We have known for a while that there is something not quite right with him, so he is always a presence when he makes an appearance. Gwen and Alana also meet. Cue the awkward moment!

From the Eisner Award-winning duo of Brian K. Vaughan (The Private Eye, Pride of Baghdad) and Fiona Staples (Mystery Society, Thor, SAGA is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. As they visit a strange new world and encounter even more adversaries, baby Hazel finally becomes a toddler, while her star-crossed parents Marko and Alana struggle to stay on their feet.

This fast forwards a bit with Hazel being a toddler instead of a baby in this volume. We are to understand that a bit of time has passed for the family as they attempt to hide and make ends-meet. It is apparent that things that cannot stay quiet for long. There is tension between Marko and Alana. Alana has joined the Circuit, which is basically a version of television in this universe. She is terrible at it and very unhappy, so she starts taking drugs to cope. Marko is the lonely stay-at-home dad. And then someone new is on their trail and catches up with them in a very dramatic way. This series is getting to be a page turner!

Multiple storylines collide in this cosmos-spanning new volume. While Gwendolyn and Lying Cat risk everything to find a cure for The Will, Marko makes an uneasy alliance with Prince Robot IV to find their missing children, who are trapped on a strange world with terrifying new enemies.

I mentioned how Gwen and Alana met, but didn't mention that Gwen's focus has shifted. Prior to her meeting up with Alana and Marko, The Will, her unlikely partner, was injured and now she is attempting to save his life. This leads her off on her own adventure with Lying Cat and involves The Will's sister, The Brand. I really like her! Then Marko and Alana have become separated. Marko and Prince Robot IV have become unlikely allies because they find they are both separated from their families and the same man is to blame. Alana, Hazel, and Marko's mother have their own problems to deal with. And, we have the set up for some exciting adventures in the future!

The bottom line: Overall, I LOVE this series. The art is fantastic. Brian K. Vaughan is a fantastic writer. I really enjoy Alana's kick-ass personality. Marko's mother is one of the best women I have come across in graphic novels. I look forward to learning more about Hazel and enjoy her narration. Lying Cat is my favourite character in the series, but that is not surprising. I also enjoy Gwen. Oh, and The Brand was awesome. As a whole, this series is a page-turning, edge of your seat adventure read. It is character driven, but you are also wrapped up in all the different storylines. I cannot wait to see what happens in Volume 6!

Ten Books To Read If You Are In The Mood For Graphic Novels

Saga Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

I love this series! Volume 6 will be out later this year. It is a blend of science-fiction and fantasy. The story is about a man and a woman who come from two warring planets and wind up falling in love. They have a child together, something that is definitely not approved of, and find themselves on the run. Strong characters, good story, and awesome art!

Fables Volumes 1-22 This series may seem long, but it is completed so at least you know where you stand! It is basically retellings of famous fairy tales, folk tales, classic novels, etc in a graphic novel format. One of the fun things is to see if you can make all the connections with the stories they are based on. The story is pretty solid, the female characters are not the damsel in distress types, and the art is always a lot of fun.

Maus Volumes 1 & 2 So far I was talking series, but if you want something shorter then there is the awesomeness that is Maus. It is a retelling of the events of the Holocaust involving mice. When I first heard of it, I didn't think I would like it at all, but it was one of my very first attempts at graphic novels and I loved it. It is probably one of the more widely received and recognized graphic novels out there.

Lazarus Volume 1, 2, 3, and, 4 This is a series I only even started in 2016 and I love it! I am huge on strong female leads and Lazarus is in a class all her own. The best part is that she pushes against what she is supposed to be in an attempt to be even better. I really like that about her. I have tried Greg Rucka before and never really clicked with him, so I am so glad I gave him another chance! The overall story to this one is a bit different from the norm, too, and is definitely different from what I would normally read.

Lumberjanes Volume 1, 2, 3, and soon 4 This is a series I started in 2015 and really enjoy. It is just fun. It is about a summer camp where things are not quite like any other summer camp in the area. Plus in a society where there are not always that many strong girls for young girls to look up to, there is this series out there selling like crazy and showing that there is potential. The adventures they get up to are not necessarily something that can happen in the real world, but it is refreshing to not have the damsel in distress situations come up. Plus, great art!

Persepolis Volume 1 & 2 This was another early foray into graphic novels. I actually credit this as my first really graphic novel... It was when I was early into blogging and this was offered as a review copy. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but took a chance on it and loved it! While I credit Fables with really kicking off my graphic novel reading, this book was the one that showed me I actually liked them. This book recaps a life in Tehran and what it was like for a young girl to grow up there. Definitely eye-opening!

American Born Chinese I wasn't sure which book to talk about by Gene Luen Yang, so I went with the first one I read by him.  This is called a modern fable and is actually three unrelated stories that turn out to be related in the end. I love Fables and Yang's books often could be called them. He takes things that I don't really know that much about and makes them really readable and engaging! If you read anything by him it is worthwhile, but this is where I started with his books.

Hexed Volume 1, 2, and eventually 3 In 2015 I joined Scribd and basically the same week, they added graphic novels. I can't pin point why I checked this series out, I think someone recommended it, but I am so glad I got a chance to check it out. I love it! There are only 12 issues, all of which are on Scribd, but it is such an overall good series. Luci is just such a great character you will enjoy spending time with her and the other characters that she crosses paths with. 

Deadpool When you get into Marvel, the series isn't as straight forward as the others that I have mentioned. I joined Marvel Unlimited last year and I think Deadpool is the best thing that came from that... He is funny and off-beat and sarcastic... I just love his comics! I used to think I didn't like superhero comics at all, but I guess it just goes to show that things change...

Captain Marvel I have read Carol Danvers as Captain Marvel and as Ms. Marvel. I think I like her better at Captain Marvel, but overall I love her. I think she is finally getting a movie and I cannot wait! She is definitely one of the best female characters in the Marvel Universe and I still buy her in trades even though I have Marvel Unlimited. Plus, her cat is great.

I honestly could go on, but I guess I am at 10... What are your favourite graphic novels?

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over here.

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Women I Met in 2015 (Thanks to Marvel!)

In 2015 I splurged and joined Marvel Unlimited. As a result... 2015 was all about the comic books! I had planned to maybe post something about them, but I don't really blog that much. BUT, the Top Ten Tuesday this week is a freebie and this seemed like a fun idea!

Princess Leia - Yes, I have met her before... But, she kicked ass in this mini-series and I loved it! 

Gamora - I had seen the movie, but the comics show a very interesting, hard-ass Gamora. I love her!

Thor - A female Thor. Sign. Me. Up! 

Squirrel Girl - College student with unusually powers. Definitely a good role-model for young girls!

Agent Carter - She is awesome on the big screen, small screen, and in comic books. I hope there will be more about her!

Black Widow - Well, another one that isn't really a surprise... But, this series based around her gives you a great view of the awesomeness that is her!

Spider-Woman - Love her! Way better than Spider-man... He annoys me...

She-Hulk - I am sad her series didn't go very long. I really like her and look forward to seeing more from her.

Ms. Marvel - I had read Carol as Captain Marvel and read the newer Ms. Marvel series, but this older one was really good. Carol is one of my favourite characters!

Silk - We are still getting introduced to her, but I am really liking what I have seen so far!

Check out more from this feature here.

Books I Am Looking Forward to in 2016

The Wicked + The Divine - Volume 3: Commercial Suicide
February 18, 2016

After the detonation of FANDEMONIUM the gods-as-pop-stars of THE WICKED + THE DIVINE try living in the long dark shadow. Team WicDiv are joined by a stellar cast of guest artists to put the spotlight of each of the gods. The multiple Eisner-award nominated series continues in the only way it knows how: darker, weirder, faster. Don't worry. It's going to be okay.

Necessity

July 12, 2016

Paper Girls - Volume 1

April 7, 2016

From Brian K. Vaughan, #1 New York Times bestselling writer of SAGA, and Cliff Chiang, legendary artist of WONDER WOMAN, comes the first volume of an all-new ongoing adventure. In the early hours after Halloween of 1988, four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls uncover the most important story of all time. Suburban drama and otherworldly mysteries collide in this smash-hit series about nostalgia, first jobs, and the last days of childhood. Collecting Issues #1-5 for only $9.99!

Bombshells - Volume 1

March 8, 2016

The ultra-popular statues from DC Collectibles come to life in their own ongoing comic book series! Learn the story behind this alternate reality where the Second World War is fought by superpowered women on the front lines and behind the scenes! It all begins with the stories of Batwoman, Wonder Woman and Supergirl.

You Know Me Well

June 7, 2016

Who knows you well? Your best friend? Your boyfriend or girlfriend? A stranger you meet on a crazy night? No one, really? 

Mark and Kate have sat next to each other for an entire year, but have never spoken. For whatever reason, their paths outside of class have never crossed. 

That is until Kate spots Mark miles away from home, out in the city for a wild, unexpected night. Kate is lost, having just run away from a chance to finally meet the girl she has been in love with from afar. Mark, meanwhile, is in love with his best friend Ryan, who may or may not feel the same way. 

When Kate and Mark meet up, little do they know how important they will become to each other -- and how, in a very short time, they will know each other better than any of the people who are supposed to know them more. 

Told in alternating points of view by Nina LaCour, the award-winning author of Hold Still and The Disenchantments, and David Levithan, the best-selling author of Every Day and co-author of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (with Rachel Cohn) and Will Grayson, Will Grayson (with John Green), You Know Me Well is a deeply honest story about navigating the joys and heartaches of first love, one truth at a time.

The Geek Feminist

May 31, 2016

A powerful collection of essays on feminism, geek culture, and a writer's journey, from one of the most important new voices in genre. 

The Geek Feminist Revolution is a collection of essays by double Hugo Award-winning essayist and science fiction and fantasy novelist Kameron Hurley. 

The book collects dozens of Hurley's essays on feminism, geek culture, and her experiences and insights as a genre writer, including "We Have Always Fought," which won the 2014 Hugo for Best Related Work. The Geek Feminist Revolution will also feature several entirely new essays written specifically for this volume. 

Unapologetically outspoken, Hurley has contributed essays to The Atlantic, Locus Magazine, Tor.com, and elsewhere on the rise of women in genre, her passion for SF/F, and the diversification of publishing.

Sex Criminals - Volume 3: Three the Hard Way

June 2, 2016

As seen on LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS! The Eisner- and Harvey-award winning raucous sex comedy that Time magazine called the Comic of the Year and Apple called "inappropriate for sale on iOS devices" returns in SEX CRIMINALS V3: THREE THE HARD WAY. So it turns out Jon and Suzie aren't alone - other people around the world, like them, freeze time when they climax. A self-appointed group wants to regulate and control them through fear and intimidation. Jon and Suzie are falling in love and want their freak flags to fly, but if they're going to fight back they can't do it alone. And really, isn't that a metaphor for the whole series? That we might all be alone but we're all alone together? I think so. If you read only one comic with a semen-demon in it this year, please make it SEX CRIMINALS V3: THREE THE HARD WAY. "I wouldn't trust most comic creators to turn a sexual awakening into compelling pulp fiction, but Fraction and Zdarsky pull it off masterfully." -Paste Magazine

The Wolf Among Us - Volume 2

May 3, 2016

As sheriff of Fabletown, Bigby Wolf has seen his share of unbelievable--and seemingly unsolvable--crimes. Before all that, though, he was faced with the greatest tests of his career... 

Someone is killing people on Bigby's watch--now he and Snow White must intensify their search for an increasingly elusive and brutal killer. On the path to justice and retribution, they encounter secret passageways, mysterious new lands and some familiar faces from Fabletown. 

Fables: The Wolf Among Us is a gripping adaptation and expansion of the smash-hit video game from Telltale Games, and an official prequel to Bill Willingham's best-selling Fables! Written by Fables alum Matthew Sturges (Jack of Fables) and Dave Justus (House of Mystery), with art by Stephen Sadowski (JSA), Shawn McManus (Fables/Fairest), Eric Nguyen (Crossing Midnight) and Travis Moore (JSA All Stars)! Collects the digital-first series Fables: The Wolf Among Us #9-16.

Wayward - Volume 3: Out From the Shadows

May 26, 2016

After the massive revelations of Wayward volume two, chaos reigns. The new gods of Japan have arrived and a clash with the myths of old will change the country forever. JIM ZUB (Conan Red Sonja, Samurai Jack) and STEVE CUMMINGS (Dead Shot, Legends of the Dark Knight) continue their supernatural spectacle that combines the camaraderie and emotion of shows like Buffy with Japan's engaging culture and mythic monsters. - This volume includes design artwork by artist Steve Cummings and profiles on mythical creatures by award-winning monster researcher Zack Davisson. - Jim Zub's profile is on the rise with writing projects underway for Marvel, Disney, Hasbro, and Cartoon Network. Collects issues 11 through 15.

Fire Touched - A Mercy Thompson Novel

March 8, 2016

Mercy Thompson has been hailed as “a heroine who continues to grow and yet always remains true to herself.”* Now she’s back, and she’ll soon discover that when the fae stalk the human world, it’s the children who suffer... 

Tensions between the fae and humans are coming to a head. And when coyote shapeshifter Mercy and her Alpha werewolf mate, Adam, are called upon to stop a rampaging troll, they find themselves with something that could be used to make the fae back down and forestall out-and-out war: a human child stolen long ago by the fae. 

Defying the most powerful werewolf in the country, the humans, and the fae, Mercy, Adam, and their pack choose to protect the boy no matter what the cost. But who will protect them from a boy who is fire touched?

Gotham Academy - Volume 2: Calamity

March 22, 2016

Welcome to Gotham Academy! Gotham City's most prestigious prep school is a very weird place. It's got a spooky campus, oddball teachers, and rich benefactors always dropping by... like that weirdo Bruce Wayne. But nothing is as strange as the students! Are these Gotham's newest heroes... or villains? The future is here at Gotham Academy. 

GOTHAM ACADEDMY Vol. 2 digs deeper into the mysteries that surround the pretigious school and the characters that inhabit it. Collects GOTHAM ACADEMY #7-12.

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder

April 1, 2016

In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer. 

Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the citys underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor. 

While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Torontos premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever--if they can stay alive long enough to do so.

Shutter - Volume 3: Quo Vadis

January 28, 2016

Kate Kristopher was a globally renowned explorer on an Earth far more fantastic than our own. Then she wasn't. In our third volume, Kate's memory has been wiped by the organization manipulating her entire life. Those she hold close all walk to their execution. All roads lead to Leonis. COLLECTS SHUTTER #13-17.

Because It's All About the Books...

...START READING!

Is that all ready a parody?

I tend to have obsessive moments... When I first re-joined the library in 2009 I read tonnes from the library and that lead to my best reading year ever. It was also the year my obsession with graphic novels started because I read Fables in 2009.

Fast forward to 2015... I hardly read in 2013 or 2014. But, 2015 I added some new 'toys' and it is sort of like 2009 all over again.

Firstly, I joined Scribd. Since joining my reading has increased insanely and I have read so much awesome stuff! (*cough* Counting single issues, 56 things apparently!*cough*)

I started with Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu. I loved this book! And, I just keep on finding awesome things on there!

If you want some suggestions, I recommend:

March: Book 1 by John Robert Lewis (Graphic Novel)

The Mystery Society by Steve Niles (Graphic Novel)

Anthem by Ayn Rand (Novella)

The Underwater Welder by Jeff Lemire (Graphic Novel)

The Woods by James Tynion IV (Graphic Novel)

Bizenghast by M. Alice LeGrow (Manga)

Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson (Graphic Novel)

Wild's End by Dan Abnett (Graphic Novel)

The Fabled Kingdom by Queenie Chan (Manga)

Hexed by Michael Alan Nelson (Graphic Novel)

Day Men by Michael Alan Nelson (Graphic Novel)

Monster on the Hill by Rob Harrell (Graphic Novel)

It is only March and I all ready know I am going to have a very hard time picking my favourite reads of the year...

Then, I finally decided to get Marvel Unlimited. I am just starting with a month and then will decide from there, but I am all ready having so much fun with it...

So far I have read:

All-New X-Men - There are 32 issues on there which works out to Volumes 1-5 if you were reading them in trade. I haven't really read much from X-Men before; but I have always wanted to! This was a fun start. It includes time travel, space adventures, and kick-ass action. There are crossovers with The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy. As a result of the time travel the characters we spend the most time with are teenagers, but it doesn't seem like a real problem. I am looking forward to more in this series and more from X-Men in general!

The Amazing Spider-Girl - This was just a whim because I like comics with girls or women in them. I read what works out to be about the first Volume of the series. It is not my favourite, but I do plan to read all that Marvel has in the series and see how things play out for the daughter of Spider-Man. 

She-Hulk - I have been hearing the buzz about this one, so I had to give it a read! There are 8 issues on Marvel Unlimited, which works out to be the first Volume in trade and part of the next one. I really liked this one! Jennifer Walters is the She-Hulk and I thought she was written really well. I understand this series has ended, so I will be sad to see it conclude on Marvel Unlimited.

2015 is shaping up to be an awesome reading year!

In Which 2015 is Shaping up to be THE YEAR OF THE COMIC

I am off today and decided I was going to visit Scribd again just to see if they had Diana Wynne Jones back on there (they do). And then my morning got all side-tracked... One of the fun things I find with Scribd is all the recommendations they give you. This morning they maybe made me squeal a little!

In February I randomly read the first full volume (issues 1-5) and Issue 6 of The Woods. I knew nothing about it, but it was there and I decided to take a chance on it. Frankly, it is weird, but I am really liking it so far. (Yay, for taking chances!) Today Scribd offered me as a suggestion to finish reading the series. A quick look resulted in me finding they had added 4 more issues of the series. So, I, of course, dropped everything and went off to read them. And, the series continues to be weird and I am not sure if I love it, but I do really really like it. Plus, as far as I can tell I am caught up! (Did I mention I am loving Scribd?)

So, I still had Scribd open on my computer when I came back from my quick binge and the wonders I found! Namely, 10 issues of Lumberjanes! A lot of bloggers that I love and trust are reading that series and here was my chance. I imagine you can picture how the rest of my morning went... Holy fun! I really like this series so far! And, the art is fantastic. I really find that strong female characters are the minority in comics, so I am so excited that this about a group of young girls getting into a lot of adventures and being brave and showing the pleasures of female friendship. It's a great example of strong female characters for the younger readers out there. And, it is just fun for us older readers.

That just covers today... Other goodies of the March so far include finally reading the first volumes of American Vampires and 100 Bullets. I had them on my TBR pile but think I was mostly holding off because I am in the midst of SO. MANY. SERIES. But, one of my goals for 2015 is to not have a comic book TBR. I had this grand plan for March that I would read a book and then read a comic... The whole Scribd excitement earlier today sort of derailed that plan... If you look at the year so far I am just in a comics mood. There are so many there that I want to read and Scribd is giving me a chance to explore with less damage to my pocket book!

Which brings me to my own personal dilemma.... I essentially read 14 books today, but do they count because they are single issues of comics? I dutifully went to Goodreads and added them to my 'To Read' shelf, but is that cheating? I really have battled with this since I started reading comics in the first place. I mostly read trades, but in this digital age it is so much easier to read single issues and keep up with favourite series. But, it means I have read 73 books so far this year. This is all ready more than I read total in 2014 and it is only March. I like to think that reading is reading no matter the page length, but I can't relax about it entirely...

Do you battle with any forms of reading guilt?

#ComicsFebruary - Post the First

So, February is #ComicsFebruary. I was really excited about it, but then I kind of didn't get into it at first. Mood reading, you know... Debi and Chris have had it the last few years and I try to join in. So, I had to read something. I have mentioned before that I joined Scribd. They now have lots of comics, but the first day I was on there I found Hyperbole and a Half. I had heard lots about it, but I have to admit that upon reading it... I had no idea what it was even about!

 Hyperbole and a Half: unfortunate situations, flawed coping mechanisms, mayhem and other things that happened by Allie Brosh

Completion Date: February 8, 2015
Length: 369 Pages

This is a book I wrote. Because I wrote it, I had to figure out what to put on the back cover to explain what it is. I tried to write a long, third-person summary that would imply how great the book is and also sound vaguely authoritative--like maybe someone who isn’t me wrote it--but I soon discovered that I’m not sneaky enough to pull it off convincingly. So I decided to just make a list of things that are in the book:

Pictures
Words
Stories about things that happened to me
Stories about things that happened to other people because of me
Eight billion dollars*
Stories about dogs
The secret to eternal happiness*

*These are lies. Perhaps I have underestimated my sneakiness!

So, I basically didn't read the back cover or the subtitle. It was just kind of around (Walmart even had it) and I wanted to give it a try. Imagine my delight when I can read it for free unexpectedly! (I like free.) And, then I discovered that it is a memoir and there are dogs... (The cover should have gave away the dog part). In any case it was an enjoyable book that I am glad I took a chance and read. The art is very simplistic, but it is effective! And, I enjoyed her stories. It is one of those books where you are going to laugh, but also feel sad. It was a great way to start off #ComicsFebruary!

Then, Scribd added comic books for real! Lots of them! It is not like I don't have a very nice TBR of physical comic books, but I had a new toy and I had to explore... Next up was March: Book 1. Andi mentioned it and it was pure chance that I had the chance to read it the very next day!

March: Book 1 by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell

Completion Date: February 10, 2015
Length: 128 Pages

Congressman John Lewis (GA-5) is an American icon, one of the key figures of the civil rights movement. His commitment to justice and nonviolence has taken him from an Alabama sharecropper’s farm to the halls of Congress, from a segregated schoolroom to the 1963 March on Washington, and from receiving beatings from state troopers to receiving the Medal of Freedom from the first African-American president.

Now, to share his remarkable story with new generations, Lewis presents March, a graphic novel trilogy, in collaboration with co-writer Andrew Aydin and New York Times best-selling artist Nate Powell (winner of the Eisner Award and LA Times Book Prize finalist for Swallow Me Whole).

March is a vivid first-hand account of John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Rooted in Lewis’ personal story, it also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement.

Book One spans John Lewis’ youth in rural Alabama, his life-changing meeting with Martin Luther King, Jr., the birth of the Nashville Student Movement, and their battle to tear down segregation through nonviolent lunch counter sit-ins, building to a stunning climax on the steps of City Hall.

Many years ago, John Lewis and other student activists drew inspiration from the 1950s comic book "Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story." Now, his own comics bring those days to life for a new audience, testifying to a movement whose echoes will be heard for generations.

Well, I have to admit that when I heard of this comic I had no idea what it was even about. Now that I have read, what a wonderful idea! It is one thing to tell your story first hand, but I love that John Lewis chose a comic book as his medium. (Or, well, someone did, anyway!) It really makes the story come alive to have the pictures. It makes the history more real, I think. Not that I have a problem with regular non-fiction, of course. I just think this was a way to impact and I am so happy that I read it. It covers a very important part of history and I cannot wait until I read the sequels.

Then, I really shook things up and went from historical non-fiction about the Civil Rights Movement to a spin-off from X-Men.

X-23: The Killing Dream by Marjorie M. Liu & Alina Urusov

Completion Date: February 10, 2015
Length: 152 Pages

X-23 has spent her short life being used by those in power, from the military to the X-Men. But when she is forced to confront a being who can control her life with nothing but a thought, will X-23 finally learn how to fight -- not for others, but herself? Guest-starring NYX! COLLECTING: X-23 #1-6

I mainly went with this comic because it is always nice to read a comic about a girl that is written by a girl. I have no prior knowledge of the character; but I found that this was a pretty good mixture of a new story and a look back at who she is with a bit of back-story. And a bit different than the other female-driven comics I have read so far this year. The art was really good, too! I am glad I got a chance to read this one and recommend it!

Then, I got a chance to read a comic that has been on my wish list for a while because Fiona Staples is the artist!

The Mystery Society by Steve Niles & Fiona Staples

Completion Date: February 11, 2015
Length: 132 Pages

Nick Hammond and Anastasia Collins are the Mystery Society - and bring new meaning to "underground cult" status! Stealthily avoiding the authorities, this skulduggery duo spend their time and money righting wrongs committed in the world's underbellies.

I had no idea what this comic was about, to be honest. It just came on my radar one day because Fiona Staples, of Saga fame, is the artist and I was curious about it. Then, it just sort of got lost in the long list of books that I want to read... But, thanks to Scribd, it came up on a search and I knew I had to finally try it. And, it was good. The Mystery Society is essentially a group that investigates the world's mysteries. It's a little bit superhero, a little bit fantasy, and then there is some science-fiction and I would like to say steam-punk thrown in the mix. Sadly it looks like a standalone, though, which makes me sad. (But also, yay, I didn't start a new series!)


I think four comics are enough for today. I have read a bunch more that I will hopefully get to another day!