July 23, 2015

I Try Some Graphic Novels

Besides reading Through the Woods by Emily Carroll I never really read any graphic novels before. I finally decided it was time to give them a try. Here are some quick reviews on the ones I have read so far. I'm hoping this post will get you to try some graphic novels, or perhaps you can see what ones I have read so far and recommend more for me to try out. Either way, I am excited to hear what you think about graphic novels in the comments below! (Sorry if some of my reviews get a little repetitive. I could only think of so many ways to say how I felt about the illustrations.)

Five Stars

El Deafo by CeCe Bell (2014)
Goodreads

The Cover: Perfect.
The Illustrations: I love that instead of humans the characters are all rabbits. The pictures do what they should, make the story even better. They were just right.
The Story: It was heartbreaking, adorable, and educational. This is a graphic novel that every person young and old would enjoy and should read. I loved every page.


Nimona by Noelle Stevenson (May 2015)
Goodreads

The Cover: Just looking at the cover will clue you in on how awesome this book is.
The Illustrations: Love them! I knew I would since I loved the author's illisturations for the cover of Fangirl. Yup, that is the same person!
The Story: It's unique, hilarious, and everything I could want in a hero/villain story. I love the relationships between all the main characters, the evil plots, and how spunky Nimona is.

The Babysitters Club (#1): Kristy's Great Idea by Raina Telgemeier and Ann M. Martin (2006)
Goodreads

The Cover: It matches the mood of the book and it is cute. What more could I ask for?
The Illustrations: I really enjoy all of Raina Telgemeir's illustrations.
The Story: It was a wonderful and super cute graphic novel. I reminisced about when I was young and a babysitter, and of the original babysitter books. I had a fun time reading it.

Four Stars

Amulet by Kazi Kibuishi (2008)
Goodreads

The Cover: I must know about this bunny, and this monster behind the door!
The Illustrations: Pretty freaking cool. The use of color is awesome.
The Story: This was darker and creepier than I thought it would be, but it was still really good. I think kids will love the adventures this book holds inside its pages. The next book in the series looks good too!


Smile by Raina Telgemeier (2010)
Goodreads

The Cover: Simple and perfect. I love the shiny braces on the smile.
The Illustrations: They were cute and fun.
The Story: I loved this story. Not only did it send a great message to its readers, but I related to it on a personal level. I too had braces when I was younger and pretty much went through everything Raina did. I think both kids and adults will like this one.

Lumberjanes Vol 1 (#1-4) by Noelle Stevenson (2015)
Goodreads

The Cover: This cover didn't do a whole lot for me for whatever reason. I still like it though.
The Illustrations: I am running out words to describe the illustrations in graphic novels. They are all unique and so far I have enjoyed them all, including this one.
The Story: This was a humorous story about a group of girls from camp who just so happen to come across some crazy creatures on their adventures. It was a lot of fun!

Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley (2013)
Goodreads

The Cover: Fits with the title and the story. I like it. Although a picture of delicious food would have been just as good.
The Illustrations: They worked for me. I loved the pictures of all the food.
The Story: Although at times I struggled to follow the story since it isn't necessarily told chronologically, I really enjoyed Lucy's adventures with food. It made me hungry and the recipes she provides sound delicious. I will have to try some.

Primates by Jim Ottaviani & Maris Wicksm (2013)
Goodreads

The Cover: I love everything about this cover! All three girls and the types of primates they studied along with a lush green leafy background is flawless.
The Illustrations: They are just as good as the cover, adorable and fun!
The Story: What a fun way to learn about Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas! This was a cute and informative read. Female scientists for the win!


Three Stars

Ms. Marvel Vol. 1 No Normal by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona (2014)

The Cover: Simple. I love it!
The Illustrations: They have the perfect comic book and super hero vibe for the story.
The Story: I love the diversity happening in this book, but the story wasn't really for me. I think many will enjoy it and that I am just one of the few that only liked it and didn't love it.

Exquisite Corpse by Penelope Bagieu (May 5, 2015)
Goodreads

The Cover: I like it, but there isn't really anything to write home about.
The Illustrations: They fit really well with the story.
The Story: I enjoyed the idea of a girl stumbling upon a writer that had faked his own death. It was entertaining and the ending was fabulous. I just wasn't a fan of any of the characters.


The Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 1: The Faust Act (The Wicked + The Divine #1-5) by Gillen, McKelvie, Wilson, Cowles (2014)
Goodreads

The Cover: Eh, I like it but it is kind of boring.
The Illustrations: The drawings of these intense characters were amazingly well done. They just fit.
The Story: Although it was a little hard to follow at first, I did enjoy the story. The idea of these famous pop stars actually being Gods that are reincarnated every ninety years was interesting. My favorite character was Lucifer.


13 comments:

  1. I loved El Deafo!! I do struggle with graphic novels because I'm use to just reading not having to explore the pictures too.

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    1. I always have to force myself to slow down and enjoy the pictures as well!

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  2. This is such a great resource and I hope Ashley sees it! Between the two of you you guys are making me want to read more Graphic Novels! I traded for Nimona so that is probably where I will start :) I'm excited!

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    1. I honestly think you will love Nimona! I can't wait to see if you do!

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  3. There's a Babysitters' Club graphic novel?!?! I need to check that out! Graphic novels are so fun (and quick!) -- they are just the thing I need sometimes. I still have El Deafo on my nightstand -- after I finish the book I'm reading, I promise :) :)

    I would also recommend Y: The Last Man -- it is really a series of comics rather than a true graphic novel, but there are 10 collections in the series and I enjoyed them very much (OK, I didn't LOVE the ending, but overall it's a really good series.) Saga is awesome as well, and still ongoing with 4 collections out so far. I really want to read Fables, but there are a TON of collections so I haven't started that series quite yet. I also really like the Unshelved comic collections which are about libraries! Though my library system only has the first 5 and I can't find the newer ones unless I buy them :(

    As this comment gets longer and longer, I realize I've read quite a lot of comics & graphc novels while on my recent blog break...I think a blog post is in order!

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    1. Oh, and there's an Outlander graphic novel!

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    2. You MUST read the Babysitter's Club graphic novel! El Deafo is also amazing. I am so glad to finally be getting into graphic novels.

      I need to check out Unshelved and Saga and Y: The Last Man now! Thanks for the recs! I have heard a lot of good things about Saga.

      YES! Write a graphic novel blog post. Please. :)

      P.S. I now must get the Outlander graphic novel as well. You just blew up my TBR pile. I LOVE IT!

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  4. I didn't know there was a Babysitter's Club graphic novel series. I loved the books when I was younger. I will have to look for those.

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    1. You will have to look for it!! There are four out and they are very fun and brings back memories!

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  5. I really enjoyed El Deafo! Thanks for the recommendation :) I just finished Nimona last night, I really liked it! I am with you on Ms. Marvel, I thought it was good but no really big wow factor. I liked Lumberjanes but thought it ended a bit abruptly.

    I do The Wicked from the library but for some reason I just keep looking past it. I might try it though. I did just finish Will & Whit, which I thought was pretty enjoyable, a nice 4 stars.

    Keep the graphic novel reviews coming :D

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    1. I am so glad you liked Deafo! I had a feeling you would. Also, I can now relax know you liked my recommendation. ;) That is exactly it about Ms. Marvel, it was good but didn't wow me!

      I shall be checking out Will & Whit! Thanks for the rec. I love to have someone to talk about graphic novels with.

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  6. I'm on the fence about graphic novels. Glad you found some that you like!

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    1. I am glad I finally took the plunge and gave them a try! Maybe one day you will too. ;)

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