Tag: graphic novels

Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story by Nicole Maines and Illustrated by Rye Hickman Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young woman facing a destiny that was never hers must learn to accept herself to save those she loves in author Nicole Maines’s “Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story.”

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The Synopsis

Dreamer’s origin story has finally arrived, featuring characters from Galaxy: The Prettiest Star in DC’s first YA crossover!!

Nia Nal’s spent her whole life taking a back seat to her older sister, Maeve, who’s expected to inherit their mother’s Naltorian powers—the ability to see the future through dreams. But when Nia starts having visions of the future, she must suppress her powers to protect her relationship with her sister. There’s only one problem: Nia can’t stay awake forever…

From actress, activist, and writer Nicole Maines, who originated the role of Dreamer—the first trans superhero on TV—and artist Rye Hickman comes the highly anticipated origin story of a girl who must accept her destiny to discover she’s more powerful than she could ever dream of.

The Review

Of all the characters that have been introduced into DC Comics in recent years, my two favorites have been Jon Kent’s Superman and Dreamer. Between author and actress Nicole Maines stellar performance on the acclaimed television series Supergirl as the titular hero Dreamer, or the hero’s introduction into mainstream DC Comics, Nia Nal’s rise to heroism and the complexity of her character arc, she is one of the best characters to arrive in the modern DC Comics age and a great representation of the direction comics needs to be taking. Seeing a cosmic, spiritual, and thought-provoking narrative from the actress who brought the character to life and breathed fresh life into the world of DC Comics made this graphic novel so special.

The crossover and connection shared with newcomer Galaxy, another new DC Comics hero, and the balance the author found with both action and storytelling was incredible. The vibrant colors and bright artwork from Rye Hickman were sensational, and the depth of mythos the author explored in Dreamer’s backstory helped elevate what fans knew of the character from her time on Supergirl and took it to a whole new level. The twists and turns in the story also helped elevate the LGBTQ+ themes, providing a much-needed exploration of the power of identity and acceptance, as well as facing the challenges of the ignorance many people have towards the transgender community, especially.

The Verdict

Compelling, entertaining, and brilliantly written, “Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story” by author Nicole Maines and artist Rye Hickman is a must-read DC Comics graphic novel. The twists and turns of the narrative, the beautiful illustrations, and the vital messaging behind this remarkable origin story solidified why Nicole Maines is not only an emerging voice in the comics world but a much-needed voice that is powerful and invokes great emotion and thought in every piece she brings to life, and Dreamer is the perfect hero to represent that. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Nicole Maines is an actress, activist, and writer paving the way for LGBTQ+ youth on and off the screen. Maines’s breakout role came on The CW’s Supergirl, where she starred as Nia Nal, a.k.a. Dreamer, making her TV’s first transgender Super Hero. She wrote Dreamer’s comic book debut in DC’s 2021 Pride anthology and has since gone on to pen numerous other comics for DC, including Superman: Son of Kal-El #13 with Tom Taylor, Lazarus Planet: Assault on Krypton #1, Harley Quinn, and DC’s upcoming Dreamer YA graphic novel. Maines has been nominated for a GLAAD Media Award and was a Variety Power of Young Hollywood and Power of Pride honoree. She was also a 2020 Human Rights Campaign Upstander Award honoree for her activism and continues to be a tireless champion for trans rights. Her biography, Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family, was a Stonewall Honor Book in nonfiction, a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for transgender nonfiction, and a New York Times bestseller.

https://www.instagram.com/nicoleamaines

Rye Hickman (previously published as Jen Hickman) is a visual storyteller based out of Denver. Past work includes The Harrowing, Bad Dream, Buzzing, and more. They get really excited about dystopian fiction, good coffee, and drawing hands.

https://ryehickman.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ryehickmandraws

This Land is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story by Julio Anta and Artist Jacoby Salcedo Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A teenager must fight to protect humanity and his community in author Julio Anta’s “This Land is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story.”

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The Synopsis

Writer Julio Anta and artist Jacoby Salcedo, the dynamic team behind the young adult graphic novel Frontera, take readers on a gripping and inspiring journey filled with high stakes and heart as Jaime embraces his new calling as Blue Beetle!Jaime Reyes is an ordinary high school student in El Paso, Texas, with a deep love for his family, culture, and home, and loves nothing more than his neighborhood’s spontaneous gatherings that go late into the night. But lately, he’s begun to realize that he and his border community are being used as pawns in an increasingly toxic immigration debate. The last few months have seen armed troops deployed along the U.S. and Mexico border, manufactured crackdowns at official border crossings, and a mounting resentment among a group of disaffected and reactionary youth.Jaime’s problems get even more complicated when he finds an odd bug-like artifact while stargazing. He starts feeling a little different—like there’s another voice in his head pushing him toward his most base instincts. And to make matters worse, he’s been having surreal dreams that show him that the true threat El Paso faces isn’t “illegal aliens” but actual aliens known as the Reach. In fact, according to his dreams, Jaime is meant to pave the way for the Reach’s impending invasion!

The Review

This was such a powerful and inspiring read. The earthy tones of the artist’s work allowed the narrative to shine brightly in this graphic novel and were a great juxtaposition to the vibrant blues associated with Blue Beetle and the cosmos as a whole. The action and the way the writer explored the origins of both Jamie Reyes and the Reach/Blue Beetle felt both fresh and original, and a significant expansion on the lore from DC Comics as a whole. 

Yet at its core, this story was both socially relevant and morally impactful. The horrific actions the people of the United States are witnessing with immigration rights and the actions taken by ICE have not only dominated newswires for the last few months, but have elevated tensions and created more fear and uncertainty than ever before. This story not only touches on these fears and showcases the harm that it causes, but also shows a path of unity and commitment to a more open, heartfelt, and understanding path that celebrates our differing cultures and how much stronger our nation is together than it is torn apart. Themes of identity, social justice, and family all converge effortlessly, lending this sci-fi epic a sense of groundedness and connection to our world.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, enduring, and compelling, author Julio Anta’s “This Land is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story” is a must-read graphic novel. A great DC Comics graphic novel, both Anta’s writing and Jacoby Salcedo’s artwork mesh seamlessly and help tell an essential story of identity that will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Julio Anta is the author of many graphic novels and comic books for young readers and adults including Frontera, his young adult debut illustrated by frequent collaborator Jacoby Salcedo, and Sí, Se Puede: The Latino Heroes Who Changed the United States, a non-fiction graphic novel illustrated by Yasmín Flores Montañez.

Julio was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and currently resides in New York City where he works to tell narratively rich stories about a diverse range of Latinx characters for readers of all ages. Forthcoming work includes a slate of graphic novels for HarperAlley, Random House Graphic, First Second and DC Comics.

https://www.julioanta.com/

Jacoby Salcedo, is a comic book illustrator who is based in Olympia, Washington. He is the co-creator of the Harper Collins YA graphic novel, FRONTERA with frequent collaborator, Julio Anta. He is also the artist on Dark Horse mini-series, IT’S ONLY TEENAGE WASTELAND with writer Curt Pires. Jacoby has been featured in multiple comic anthologies such as DC’s Legion of Bloom, Panel X Panel, Graphic Mundi’s Covid Chronicles, and the GLAAD award winning Young Men in Love. His next project is THIS LAND IS OUR LAND: A BLUE BEETLE STORY, from DC with Julio releasing October 2024.

https://www.jacobysalcedoart.com/

Last of the Pops by Adam Wilson (Illustrated by Dr. Demus and Dapit Jumar) Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Twenty years after radio waves suddenly powered down, a group of people are brought together when the radio turns back on in author Adam Wilson’s “Last of the Pops”.

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The Synopsis

Not many people noticed the day the airwaves went silent. Thousands of radio stations across the country powered down for the last time. Twenty years on, even fewer noticed the day the towers came back to life, broadcasting on repeat, a handful of songs that don’t exist.

An experiment in sequential and epostolary storytelling, Wilson, Demus, Paratone, and Jamit present the soundtrack of a wannabe podcaster, a teen graffitti artist and her estranged brother, a former disc jockey, the newest owner of a vinyl legacy, and a tortured singer on the cusp of greatness.

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The Review

This was such a fantastic, well-written graphic novel. The distinctive difference between artistic styles alternating between each story highlighted the talent and tone each illustrator brought to the narrative. The emotional depth of each character’s experiences in their respective chapters and the way music and sound highlighted each story helped elevate the significance of each character’s arc.

This graphic novel stood out because it honed in on relatable, everyday emotions. Rather than focusing on how the radio stations disappeared and reappeared two decades later, the chapters honed in on how music and sound, in general, impacted the character’s feelings and overall journey. The stories tapped into everything from friendship and love to inspiration and connectivity among our fellow human beings. 

Tie your outfit together with our sneaker socks at Happy Socks

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, memorable, and engaging author Adam Wilson’s “Last of the Pops” is an incredible and exciting graphic novel. The depth and heart that went into these characters and their journey, as well as the thoughtful approach to such deep subject matter, kept me enthralled by the developing stories in this book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A former comic editor, Adam Wilson is one of the co-publishers of Read Furiously and an award winning comic writer, His works includes Brian & Bobbi, In the Fallout, Helium, and the upcoming graphic novel Last of the Pops. He co-writes the graphic novel series The MOTHER Principle and edits the anthology series Life in the Garden State with his partner S. Atzeni. Together they live in West Trenton with their son and cat.

https://www.lifeinasplashpage.com/p/home.html

Just Another Meat-Eating Dirtbag: A Memoir by Michael Anthony (Illustrated by Chai Simone Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are y own.

Author Michael Anthony takes readers on a journey of love and veganism as he searches for a way to maintain his relationship with his girlfriend as she dives further and further into “The Cause” in the graphic novel “Just Another Meat-Eating Dirtbag: A Memoir”.

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The Synopsis 

A rough-and-tumble Iraq War veteran is young and in love, and the last thing on his mind is food and the ethics of eating meat. But when his girlfriend becomes a vegetarian and animal rights activist, suddenly food is all he thinks about.

A true story of how love and vegetarianism can triumph over all else. Love, heartache, and the rest of the ingredients that make a reader laugh, smile, and stop-and-think, are all found in this enthralling graphic memoir. Amidst the stories of love and frustration, there are treatises on food, vegetarianism, and the ethics of the animal rights movement (some of it juxtaposed against Michael’s graphic wartime experiences). Told with Michael’s sardonic perspective and the delightful artwork of debut graphic novelist Chai Simone, this is a journey of true love gone temporarily astray.

The Review

This was such a unique and interesting read. The author did an incredible job of conveying real information and knowledge about the vegan and vegetarian lifestyle and how it can impact relationships while also infusing humor and wit into the narrative. The natural tone and atmosphere the author infuses into the story were great to see come to life. Typically in a memoir, the author has to work to infuse imagery into their stories, but the amazing artwork of Chai Simone did a great job of providing the warmth and depth this narrative held. 

Aside from the excellent utilization of the graphic novel format, what stood out to me was the deep emotional impact that this narrative had as well. The honesty and charm the author infused into the backstories of both himself and his girlfriend and the hardships they each had to overcome that led to their outlook on life (and subsequently the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle as a whole) was so profoundly moving and made the memoir feel more relatable and connected for many readers.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, gripping, and engaging, author Michael Anthony’s “Just Another Meat-Eating Dirtbag: A Memoir” is a must-read graphic novel meets nonfiction memoir of 2022. One of the top memoirs of the year, the author does an incredible job of finding his voice and infusing humor and emotion so seamlessly into the story of his relationship with both his girlfriend and his lifestyle as a whole and made this one book I didn’t want to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Anthonyis the author of the graphic memoir Just Another Meat-Eating Dirtbag: A Memoir,and the award-winning and acclaimed memoirs: Civilianized: A Young Veteran’s Memoir,and Mass Casualties: A Young Medic’s True Story of Death, Deception, and Dishonor in Iraq.

Michael’s writing has been called “strong … and starkly honest…”-Publisher’s Weekly, “Dark Humored,” –Kirkus, “smart and mordantly funny,” –Milwaukee Journal, and “gut punching…”–Mary Roach. He has appeared in several anthologies, and has written for The Washington Post, Business Insider, Signature-Reads, and The Good Men Project, where he served for a year as chief editor of the War & Veterans section.

He has been featured in several documentaries regarding military service, philosophy, and comedy, and he has worked as a military consultant for award-winning theater and art installations.

A graduate of Bridgewater State University, Michael also holds an MFA in creative writing from Lesley University. A former US army soldier, he currently lives with his wife in Massachusetts and spends his free time working with veterans.

Michael can be reached through his website: MichaelAnthonyAuthor.com

https://twitter.com/M_ichaelAnthony

Interview with Author Andrew D. Daily

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1: Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I never grew up with an interest in writing, books, or television. Writing always came naturally to me, and I always got A’s on my high school reports despite struggling with ADHD and dyslexia. I loved to play with words and implement them in rap and songwriting. Eventually, I gave up on music because I couldn’t accomplish what I wanted in that artform. It wasn’t until watching television’s Lost and Breaking Bad that I found an interest in writing television. The serialized style of those shows made me aware of what was possible. After studying the craft, I gave it a try. Seventeen scripts and eight years later, I’m now pitching shows to Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, HBO Max, etc.

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2: What inspired you to write your book?

La Entrada was initially written as a television pilot to get in front of a leading Mexican production company. I believe it was my fourteenth script, and I was frustrated at the time with script after script dying without anything to show for it. I thought this one would be better as a graphic novel and decided to connect with an artist to show my work to friends and family.

3: What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I hope that readers are inspired to face disappointment with perseverance. Mirna and Carlos have both been overlooked and experienced hope deferred, but they keep chasing their desires. In future books, we will see how that works out for them in unexpected ways.

4: What drew you into this particular genre?

This genre is one that I hadn’t tried to tackle in the past. I wanted to try something new while starting from a grounded place. I’m excited to lean heavier into the genre in the next book as we explore what is beyond the portal. 

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5: If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I’m curious to know more about the pain of Mirna’s younger years. How has her upbringing led her to a relegated position in society? I would also like to ask Loisha what happened to her that she feels the need to maintain loyalty to the President.

6: What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Instagram has been huge for me. I have a production Instagram where I post all the pages from La Entrada, but my personal account has been most helpful. My friends that I grew up with and former Home Depot co-workers have come through for me. I’m honored by the outpouring of support. Pinterest is also helpful for me to promote the artists that I work with at the same time as my writing.

7: What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Read, study, and write. I have countless friends who claim they want to be writers but never write. I also have many friends who write but don’t study their craft, and their books or scripts fall flat. You have to know why you are doing what you are doing, regardless of how naturally talented you are.

8: What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

Reality television is my primary form of income currently. I’m about to return to Shark Tank as the primary production manager. I’ll oversee logistics, personnel, and finances for the show. I hope to make some time soon to finish the next La Entrada graphic novel. Also, I have a couple of shows that I’m pitching. I’m looking for a production company to partner with on a political drama and a YA mystery. Who knows where the future will lead? I’m just enjoying the process.

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About the Author

Andrew is a television writer, producer, and production manager living in Los Angeles, CA.

Shark Tank on ABC was his first big break in TV as an art department production assistant. He was quickly spotted for his administrative skills and found mentors in production management, where he climbed the ranks. The unscripted shows he has worked on include Miss Universe, Paradise Hotel, The Voice, and The Grammy’s. He has also worked on several scripted shows, including Blunt Talk, Dr. Ken, and Insecure, as well as digital content when he co-launched The Rock’s YouTube channel as a line producer and writer.

For its three-night live presentation, Andrew co-wrote O Little Town of Bloomington, a Christmas musical that sold out the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena, CA.

Before transitioning to full-time writing, he developed his craft by breaking down scripts minute-by-minute and writing over twenty pilots of his own. He created several Graphic Novels, including La Entrada, available through Amazon.

Follow him on Instagram: @dailyman

https://www.hawthorneent.com/

La Estrada: Season One-Episode 1 by Andrew D. Daily (Illustrated by Alex Vede) Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A mysterious portal leads to a missing child, and a mother who must work against powerful politicians and untold dangers to find her child before it is too late in author Andrew D. Daily’s “La Estrada: Season One-Episode 1”. 

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The Synopsis

La Entrada – Season One, Episode One is the first graphic novel of this epic series.

A child disappears when an other-worldly portal forms outside of Mexico City. To find him, his mother must partner with a renegade professor and face the politicians that stand in their way. The mysteries of La Entrada will shake their existence and alter the comforts of civilization.

This experimental graphic novel emulates television through black and white storyboard artwork. From the intense mind of Andrew D. Daily and brilliant digital illustrator Alex Vede, we are introduced to the beginning of a power clash not seen since the conquistador invasion of 1519.

The Review

This was such a fantastic and entertaining graphic novel. The author did a marvelous job of finding a way of translating an episode of television into graphic novel form. The rich culture and settings of this story felt vibrant and alive on the page, and the story flowed just as smoothly as an hour-long drama. The striking contrast of the sci-fi/paranormal elements of the overarching plot with the more twisted and nefarious plots of political corruption made the narrative come to life on the page. 

The heart of this story came down to character development. The interwoven stories of the people caught in this maelstrom of mystery and intrigue made the larger plot of suspenseful drama that much more emotionally investing. From a mother desperate to find her missing son to a professor shunned by his community for outlandish ideas and two political rivals sparring over who is to become the next Presidente of Mexico amidst this powerful and unexplainable event, each subplot revealed characters that could immediately carry this “show”. 

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging as a story, author Andrew D. Daily’s “La Entrada: Season One-Episode One” is a must-read graphic novel. The television landscape of this story and the artwork’s amazing capture of this style of storytelling from artist Alex Vede is a brilliant combination, and the heart and passion for which these characters bring this narrative to life were fantastic to read. A story deserving of a television narrative, the shocking twists and turns in the story, as well as the shocking final pages of this growing mystery, made this one graphic novel readers are not going to want to miss. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Andrew is a television writer, producer, and production manager living in Los Angeles, CA.

Shark Tank on ABC was his first big break in TV as an art department production assistant. He was quickly spotted for his administrative skills and found mentors in production management, where he climbed the ranks. The unscripted shows he has worked on include Miss Universe, Paradise Hotel, The Voice, and The Grammy’s. He has also worked on several scripted shows, including Blunt Talk, Dr. Ken, and Insecure, as well as digital content when he co-launched The Rock’s YouTube channel as a line producer and writer.

For its three-night live presentation, Andrew co-wrote O Little Town of Bloomington, a Christmas musical that sold out the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena, CA.

Before transitioning to full-time writing, he developed his craft by breaking down scripts minute-by-minute and writing over twenty pilots of his own. He created several Graphic Novels, including La Entrada, available through Amazon.

Follow him on Instagram: @dailyman

https://www.hawthorneent.com/

Mister Miracle: The Great Escape by Varian Johnson  (Illustrated by Daniel Isles) Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young man eager to escape the hellscape of Apokolips must contend with his loyalty to his friends, a promise to protect someone close to his mentor, and a growing bond with one of his school’s deadliest warriors in author Varian Johnson and illustrator Daniel Isles’s “Mister Miracle: The Great Escape”, the latest graphic novel from DC Comics.

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The Synopsis

Falling in love was never part of the escape plan.

Scott Free is a student at the Goodness Academy, on the planet Apokolips, ruled by Lord Darkseid. Sounds pretty cool, right? Wrong. Scott Free wants nothing more than to leave Apokolips for planet Earth; the only problem is that no one has ever left Apokolips of their own free will…or alive.

Scott Free has a plan, a foolproof plan, a plan that his found family depends on for their own freedom. But that plan never involved falling in love with the head of the Female Furies, Big Barda-the one person tasked with ensuring he never escapes.

From the Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author of The Parker Inheritance, Varian Johnson, and afrofuturist artist Daniel Isles (DirtyRobot) comes the story of an escape plan that will take a miracle to pull off. Lucky for Scott, everyone calls him MISTER MIRACLE! Okay, fine, no one calls him that…yet.

The Review

This was such a powerful and fantastic read for both DC fans and YA fans alike. The exploration of one of DC Comics most hostile and chilling settings and the hierarchy that resides on the planet was such a refreshing change of pace, and focusing on a love story that is rarely shown in the grand scheme of things in the multiverse was amazing to watch unfold, especially in a YA setting. Apokolips proved to be the perfect fictional world to explore class systems and racism as a whole, showing that while those such as Prince Kalibak and Darkseid themselves look down upon everyone, even those that serve them have others to look down upon, and highlights the damage and hatred that kind of mindset can bring about in others.

The characters were the true heart of the narrative. Scott is the perfect YA hero here, giving readers a personal perspective of life in Granny Goodness’s orphanage, an iconic DC location in comics, and showing how he and Barda met and fell in love in a fresh and socially relevant way was amazing to read. The diversity and action balanced well with one another, and the deep-cut DC Comics characters and locations will have DC fans thrilled. 

The Verdict

A memorable, fresh, and entertaining YA and DC Comics graphic novel, author Varian Johnson and Daniel Isles’s “Mister Miracle: The Great Escape” is a must-read graphic novel and the perfect start to DC Comics’ 2022 schedule. The action, the muted tones in the art to highlight the despair that comes from a life on Apokolips, and fantastic character growth made this a brilliant read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Varian Johnson is the author of several novels for children and young adults, including The Parker Inheritance, which won both Coretta Scott King Author Honor and Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor awards; The Great Greene Heist, an ALA Notable Children’s book and Kirkus Reviews Best Book; and the graphic novel Twins, illustrated by Shannon Wright, an NPR Best Book.

Varian was born in Florence, South Carolina, and attended the University of Oklahoma, where he received a BS in Civil Engineering. He later received an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and is honored to now be a member of the faculty. Varian lives outside of Austin, TX with his family.

https://varianjohnson.com/

BRZRKR, Volume 1 (BRZRKR #1-4) by Keanu Reeves (Writer), Matt Kindt (Goodreads Author) (Writer), Ron Garney (Illustrator), Bill Crabtree (Colorist), Clem Robins (Letterer), Rafael Grampá (Cover)

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

An immortal man who has known nothing but war and death all of his existence seeks a means of making himself mortal, and goes on a journey to discover more of his past in author Matt Kindt and debut comic book writer and acclaimed actor Keanu Reeves’s “BRZRKR”, the first volume in the new action series from BOOM STUDIOS!

The Synopsis

Keanu Reeves makes his comic book writing debut alongside New York Times bestselling co-writer Matt Kindt and acclaimed artist Ron Garney in a brutally violent new series about one immortal warrior’s fight through the ages.

A WAR WITH NO END. The man known only as B. is half-mortal and half-God, cursed and compelled to violence…even at the sacrifice of his sanity. But after wandering the world for centuries, the Berzerker may have finally found a refuge – working for the U.S. government to fight the battles too violent and too dangerous for anyone else. In exchange, B. will be granted the one thing he desires – the truth about his endless blood-soaked existence…and how to end it.

Keanu Reeves makes his comic book writing debut alongside New York Times bestselling co-writer Matt Kindt (Folklords, Grass Kings) and legendary artist Ron Garney (Captain America, The Amazing Spider-Man) in a brutally violent new series about one immortal warrior’s fight through the ages.

Collects: BRZRKR #1-4. 

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The Review

What a truly entertaining and mesmerizing graphic novel. The tone that the authors captured here felt like taking the biggest deep-dives into Marvel and DC’s biggest and grittiest action thriller series and ramping it up to ten notches. The balance found between the intensity of the action sequences and the in-depth character growth was so perfect in this story, and while the artwork (which was so visceral and amazing to see) was definitely raw and intense, the violence spoke to the themes of power corrupting those who wield it and the damage it does to the people or “living weapons” that are wielded by those in power.

The characters were the true driving force behind this narrative. The protagonist, known at the beginning of this story simply as B, was such an engaging character to discover. If someone were to blend Marvel’s Wolverine with DC Comic’s Vandal Savage and inject a hint of magic and action-movie style, they would get B. The interesting character study allows readers to see the brutality that he is born into and that which he causes, and yet the trauma that comes with being used time and time again as nothing more than a weapon, speaking to whether morality and choice are something we are born with or something that must be fought for.

The Verdict

A truly immersive, hauntingly entertaining, and gripping graphic novel, author Matt Kindt and Keanu Reeves’s “BRZRKR” is a must-read story in 2021. The perfect read for those who are looking to find comics outside of the mainstream studios and find a true action experience that fuses mythology, history, and chilling looks into the nature of war as a whole, this narrative ends on an interesting cliffhanger that will continue to draw readers into this universe. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Matt Kindt is a Harvey Award-winning and NYT Best-Selling writer and artist of comics and graphic novels. His work includes MIND MGMT, BRZRKR (with Keanu Reeves), Bang!, Eniac, Revolver, 3 Story, Super Spy, 2 Sisters, and Pistolwhip. He has been nominated for four Eisner Awards and three Harvey Awards (and won once). His work has been published in French, Spanish, Italian, and German. The author lives in St. Louis, MO, with his wife and Dept H. collaborator, the colorist and artist Sharlene Kindt.

Matt has been making comics all his life and has been doing it full-time as a “real” job since 2003. Seriously…he has the best job ever.

You can follow Matt below where he stays active on all social media platforms.

https://twitter.com/mattkindt

Keanu Reeves: Actor, Director, Writer

https://twitter.com/boomstudios

Snowlands: A Blood Moon (Snowlands Book One) by Morr Meroz Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Three unlikely allies come together as missing animals and the dangers of the Snowlands bring the trio to the trail of a magical being who can help bring answers to the trials facing the animals of the wilderness in author Morr Meroz’s “Snowlands: A Blood Moon”, the first in the Snowlands series.

The Synopsis

A brand-new, full-color graphic novel series for animal fantasy fans that delivers a daring adventure and a mysterious threat that has animals–prey and predator alike–disappearing.

An orphaned white wolf cub exiled from her pack.
A lone snow leopard searching for her missing cub.
A bumbling young Pallas’s cat who can’t hold a tune.

In the midst of a brutal winter in the unforgiving Snowlands the mountain sheep begin to go missing. Without their primary food source, the wolf pack faces starvation and blame falls on Feba, an orphaned wolf cub whose white fur the elders see as a bad omen.

When pack leaders vote to banish Feba, and perhaps worse, she runs off into the icy wilderness just as the other wolf cubs go missing. Lost in the treacherous mountains, Feba stumbles upon Usha, a snow leopard searching for her missing cub. While Usha wants nothing more than to continue her journey alone, she grudgingly allows Feba and a skittish young wild cat, Batu, to follow her. 

With a snowy trail full of deadly obstacles ahead, the unlikely trio sets out to find the Seeress, a magical being Usha hopes can find her missing son. Each step takes Usha, Feba, and Batu deeper into danger where they encounter other creatures–some helpful, some deceitful–and uncover a widespread peril in the mountains, the fate of the missing cubs, and what having a family truly means.

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The Review

What a truly breathtaking and beautiful graphic novel! The author and artist both found such a great harmonic balance between the harsh, cold, yet stunning visuals of the snowy mountains and the vast array of creatures, and the emotional depth of the storytelling overall. The theme of family and what truly defines family is so deeply felt in the characters and their arcs in this narrative, and the exploration of what isolation can do to us all and how others are always nearby if we allow ourselves to open up to the possibilities of not being alone just shined through the narrative perfectly.

The characters were so well done in this story. The artwork and focus on animals as main characters made this feel like it would be a story geared more towards children only, but there are some very mature and heartbreaking storylines that will appeal to older readers as well. The bonds these characters make with one another and the twist on the main opposing force behind the disappearances and deaths on this mountainside will really draw readers into this narrative wholeheartedly. 

The Verdict

A mesmerizing, haunting, and entertaining winter read, author Morr Meroz’s “The Snowlands: A Blood Moon” is a must-read graphic novel of 2021. Such an incredibly moving and emotional story pairs so well with the cold yet strikingly beautiful artwork that brings this narrative to life, and readers will be eager to see what this author and creator come up with next. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder or grab your copy of this amazing read on December 7th, 2021!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Morr Meroz is the founder of Bloop Animation, one of the most popular animation training websites. He has written, directed, and animated three short films, including his thesis film at the School of Visual Arts, where he received a bachelor’s degree in computer arts. His screenplay for Snowlands has been produced as a graphic novel. He lives with his family in New York City.

https://www.facebook.com/thesnowlandscompany

Snowlands Book 1: A Blood Moon