Graphic Novels

23 Oct 2011 1 Comment

Dark Swan: Storm Born Volume Two graphic novel by Richelle Mead

Dark Swan: Storm Born
Volume Two
Written by: Richelle Mead & Grant Alter
Artwork by: Dave Hamann
Release Date: June 15, 2011

Eugenie Markham is a freelance shaman, guarding our world from the invasion of Otherworldly creatures. Those who try have “The Dark Swan” to contend with. But Eugenie’s about to cross into the Otherworld alone to rescue a girl that nobody else will. Will she make it back across alive?

Eugenie is a very naughty girl. She hooks up with the mysterious and super hot Kiyo. An entity makes itself known at the worst of times. Shocked and surprised that her name is uttered from the lips of the enemy, she seeks advice from Roland. A young girl has disappeared and Eugenie has decided to take a big risk and help to rescue her.

Once again the illustrations are phenomenal. Each frame delivers the intensity of the installment and brings the characters to life. Hamann definitely does the story justice with unbelievable detail. The characters are spot-on with the novels. Eugenie’s kick-ass heroine  personality comes across as it did in the novels. Although there is a ton of nudity in this installment, it couldn’t be helped. While plenty of skin was visible, the artist did a remarkable job at leaving some things to the imagination. I look forward to the continuation of the story in issue three. This issue is Hot, Hot, Hot.

Special thanks to Sea Lion Books for the review copy.

by Jennifer in Graphic Novels, Reviews Tags:

18 Oct 2011 No Comments

Dark Swan: Storm Born graphic novel by Richelle Mead

Dark Swan: Storm Born
Volume One
Written by: Richelle Mead & Grant Alter
Artwork by: Dave Hamann
Release Date: May 2011

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

Dark Swan: Storm Born is 36 pages of awesomeness. Eugenie is one heck of a heroine that definitely keeps you enthralled in her day-to-day life. As she fights demonic shoes, meets prospective clients, or is getting frisky with a Kiyo, you can’t help but fall in love with this amazing paranormal tale.

Richelle Mead is one of my all-time favorite authors and seeing her characters in graphic novel form is extremely exciting. The artwork definitely does the characters and plot justice. Each page of illustrations brings you closer to Eugenie and her experiences throughout the novel. The action/romance scenes are graphic but not overly so. The scenes with Eugenie and Kiyo are steamy hot. The images are not insanely revealing but it may not be totally appropriate for kids.

Overall, this is a fabulous edition and I can’t wait to dive into the next issue. Things were really getting heated up at the end of this issue, leaving me wanting more of the story and the awesome illustrations. If you enjoy reading paranormal or urban fantasy then you’ll really enjoy this graphic series.

Check out a few of the awesome excerpts from this edition below.

Special thanks to Sea Lion Books for the review copy.

by Jennifer in Graphic Novels, Reviews Tags:

17 Oct 2011 No Comments

This Haunted World graphic novel by Mark Powers

This Haunted World: Dark Matter
Volume One
Written by: Mark Powers
Artwork by: Caravan Studios
Release Date: October 31, 2011

This Haunted World tells of a world awash in conflict and suffering. Some believe the Biblical End Times have arrived; others believe a civilization too often driven by greed has simply begun the inevitable process of devouring itself.

Amid the fear and chaos walks a shadow. In the war-torn hills of Afghanistan, in the tragedy wracked hills of Hiroshima. He is called by many names in many places – and where he walks, he brings death.

Two men – one whose ivory tower has been shattered by scandal, another sprawled on life’s rock bottom – unknowingly hold mankind’s only hope for survival.

For a war unlike any other is about to be declared – one in which 10,000 years worth of sins and pain come back to haunt us.

I’m new to graphic novels and This Haunted World was a great place to start. It has so much to offer readers of all genres, with mystery, suspense and paranormal qualities. The illustrations are phenomenal and creepy. You can’t stop looking at them. I’m amazed at the artistry that went into this fabulously dark tale. The intensity of the images only adds to the paranormal chaos as the story unfolds.

The plot is definitely gripping. It pulls you through, making you want to know more about the haunted world where bullets fall from the sky and unusual deaths plague a local jail. The images kept me enthralled in the different characters’ situations as the insanity progressed. There was a touch of adult language, but I found it to be fitting and necessary to the premise.

I highly recommend The Haunted World to anyone looking for a thrilling story that’s loaded with amazing artwork.

Special thanks to Sea Lion Books for the review copy.

by Jennifer in Graphic Novels, Reviews Tags: