Quick Manga Review: Soara and the House of Monsters Volume 1

Title: Soara and the House of Monsters Vol. 1
Author: Hidenori Yamaji
Genre: Comics; Graphic Novel; Manga
Publication Date: September 5, 2023
Publisher: Penguin Random House

In this delightful and intricately illustrated fantasy tale, a girl who was raised to fight monsters starts building cozy homes for them instead!

Soara is a young orphan girl who was raised by knights and trained to fight against marauding monsters. By the time Soara is old enough to join the fray, her blade is no longer needed, as peace has been declared with monsters. Searching for a new calling, Soara stumbles upon Kirik the dwarf, Architect of the Monster World. Suddenly, instead of fighting monsters, Soara finds herself working alongside Kirik to build comfortable homes for monsterkind! In the course of her new career, will Soara find a home for herself?

Rating

 Hello Fellow Reader,

I liked this so much, I thought it was so cute and unique. First off the art style was lovely and every panel looks great. I didn't have trouble making out what anything was, while also enjoying the art. The Story was so cute, I can't wait to see how Soara grows throughout the series. I do wish we saw more about the Kirik and his band of dwarf builders, as I am so curious about them. They seem well known throughout the monster kingdom so the fact that Soara has never heard about them is weird but I can't wait to learn more about them.

Overall, a fun new manga series I can't wait to see the next one. 

Graphic Novel: BackTrack Vol. 1

Title: BackTrack Volume 1
Author: Brian Joines, Doug Garbark
Illustrator: Jake Elphick
Genre: Action; Graphic Novel
Publication Date: November 17, 2020
Publisher: Oni Press

 A former criminal driver is given the chance at redemption by entering a car race but there's just one catch: each leg covers a different period in history. 

If you had a chance to fix a mistake from your past, would you take it? Alyson Levy would.

Guilt weighs heavy on former criminal "wheelman," Alyson, who led an illicit life that left hers shattered. Enter Casper Quellex, an eccentric businessman who offers her the break of a lifetime: a massive cross-country car race that grants the winner an opportunity to correct a single mistake in their life. But here’s the catch -- each leg covers a different period in history. As if keeping the cars on the often-questionable (sometimes nonexistent) roads and staying ahead of competition wasn’t enough, the drivers will now have to contend with medieval warriors, dinosaurs, and natural disasters…it's all a possibility. Only the one who survives it all will be proven the winner, and like that, Alyson and the rest of the drivers find themselves in a gut-wrenching race through time and quickly learn that they must band together to form any chance for survival. But for an opportunity to turn back time, Alyson will drive from the Big Bang to the death knell of the universe.

 

*A Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this. This is my honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

The Concept for this really caught my eye. I'm a big fan of action movies and graphic novels and I really wanted a little fast paced action in between everything I've been reading. In this we meet Alyson Levy, a past driver who now spends her days drinking til she can't stand. It's obvious from the start that there's something weighing down Levy, of course, in comes a mysterious man who offers Levy a chance to right her wrong. There is just one condition, she needs to win a race, which sounds too good to be true.

 

 At first suspicious, she relents and qualifies, however, it's not just any race and she finds herself not only struggling to win but also survive. Since this is the first volume I gave it some leeway when it came to set up, but there's a lot of dialogue in this. The action is okay, but it doesn't pick up much until the end. WE also only get to see snippets of what happened with Levy that made her accept this deal. I was hopping I would get to see more than what was given but I understand the need to spread it out.

 

There also a large cast of characters, most of whom didn't matter or are very annoying, but there are a handful I do like . The artwork is good and does carry the action scenes well.

Overall, an interesting premise that has a lot of promise.

 

Moonstruck Vol. 1; Grace Ellis

Title: Moonstruck Vol. 1
Author: Grace Ellis; Shae Beagle
Illustrators: Kaye Leth; Caitlin Quirk; Clayton Cowles
Genre: Fantasy; Graphic Novel; LGBT; Supernatural; Young Adult
Publication Date: March 27th 2018
Publishers: Image Comics

Werewolf barista Julie and her new girlfriend go on a date to a close-up magic show, but all heck breaks loose when the magician casts a horrible spell on their friend Chet. Now it's up to the team of mythical pals to stop the illicit illusionist before it's too late.

*A Thank you to Edelweiss for allowing me to read this in exchange for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers, 

Today we have a Graphic novel about a butt being stolen and the friends who try to get it back. First of all, what really caught my attention is the artwork. It's so cute and I think it maybe my favorite artwork in a Graphic novel yet. I am going to look up the artists to see if I can get some artwork because It's really amazing. 

As far as the story goes it was good. I really like Selena and Julie's relationship, but there was a moment in the book where they had a bit of a argument, which doesn't really get resolved. Also, the relationship is so new but they seem to be falling for each other fast. It was really cute though, and I honestly don't think I've ever rooted for a couple as quick as I rooted for them. 

I really loved Chet, they were such a great character and I am so glad they were included in the book. This is the second graphic novel that I've read where they had a non binary character and I am so glad they were included because (once again) I love Chet. Unlike the last novel, Chet was more fleshed out and given more room to grow. 

While the artwork is cutesy, it does deal with some heavy topics , like when your identity of who you are is taken from you, or when you believe your not "normal" and the pressure to fit in. I can't wait to read volume 2.

Overall, a good, fun, and unique read. 

Vampire State Building; Ange

Title: Vampire State Building (Volume 1)
Author: Ange; Patrick Renault; Edward Gauvain
Artist: Charlie Adlard; Sebastien Gerard
Genre: Graphic Novel; Horror; Vampires
Publication Date: July 7th, 2020
Publisher: Diamond Book

Terry Fisher, a young soldier about to be sent on operation, has arranged to meet up with friends at the top of the Empire State Building for a farewell party... But suddenly a legion of Vampires attack the skyscraper, intent on massacring its occupants. Hounded across the 102 floors, that have now become a deadly trap, Terry must face an army of abominations, before they spill into the city, and defeat U'tluntla, the terrible Vampire God, walled in the building since its construction.

 *A Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers!

I really have been in the mood for horror and when I saw this I knew this would check all the boxes and it did. I wanted evil vampires, I wanted blood, and I wanted there to be a hero, but while it gave me everything I wanted I still didn't feel fulfilled. Maybe it was just too cliche? But I didn't feel any connection to the characters, so when someone died it didn't affect me to much. 

Terry was okay, a man who is going through some (actually a lot) of stuff, he's about to be shipped off and his friends meet at the empire state building to watch the sunset and remind he what he's leaving behind. Honestly, I would like to read more about Terry without all the vampire stuff I think that would make for some interesting reading. 

Overall, a good horror Graphic Novel with vampires.

SFSX: Tina Horn

Title: SaFe SeX Volume. 1
Author: Tina Horn
Artists:Michael Dowling, Jen Hickman, Alejandra Gutierrez,Tula Lotay

Genre: Graphic Novel; LGBT; Science Fiction

Warnings: Graphic Sex; Torture; Mentions of Rape

Publication Date: July 28th, 2020

Publisher: Image Comics

In a draconian America where sexuality is strictly bureaucratized and policed, a group of queer sex workers keep the magic alive in an underground club called the Dirty Mind. Using their unique talents for bondage and seduction, they resolve to infiltrate the mysterious government Pleasure Center, free their incarcerated friends, and fight the power

 *Thank you Edelweiss+ for allowing me to read this in exchange for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

So today I bring to you a band of unconventional heroes, that really turned the preconceived notion of her on it's head and I loved that! The heroes in this didn't have to be 'Pretty Woman' so we can see how good they are, and I loved that they are just people who are trying to live their lives with the freedom we say there is. 

 

"No, this was the pain of misunderstanding, of VIOLATION. The Pain of knowing that some people think the only way to protect themselves is to rip away everything you love"

First off, while Avory seems to be the central point character of the story she wasn't my favorite. This doesn;t mean I didn't like Avory, she's driven, strong, and pretty badass but I noticed that unless it is something that directly affects her (or George) her fire suddenly disappears. This is why Casey was my favorite. She seems to be the real driving force behind this group of rag-tag sex workers. When needed she steps up and reminds the others exactly why they are doing this. To me she's the heart of the group. I do wish we got to explore her character more, as I feel we didn't really get too much information during the flashbacks. 

 

"...they don't realize you can't just turn privilege on and off like a light switch. You can dim it, but the electricity is still there, humming away, ready when you need it."

Sylvia was a absolute legend, if I call Casey the heart than Sylvia would be the head. I really felt her pain regarding Jones, and I love that despite being put in positions that could break her she instead can push it all aside and really do what's right. Nick and Denis were great too but we don't really get too much from them, which saddens me because of *Spoilers*. Denis did have a really cool scene in which we could tell they are pretty kick-ass. I really love the representation in this comic, and the inclusion of a non-binary character which we don't see too often. 

 

"I just wanted to be left alone. I just wanted to be in LOVE"

As far as the story went it was pretty interesting, but I hope we see how exactly The Party came into power, and who the real villains are. Also, all the artwork was AMAZING. It colors of each scene, and the way you can feel the emotions coming off the characters were great. Each artist had different styles so it was great to see the story told in different ways. 

Overall this was a wild ride and I can't wait to see where they go with this!

 

Food Wars Volume 1; Yuto Tsukuda

Title: Food Wars! Volume 1
Author: Yuto Tsukuda; Shun Saeki (illustrator)
Genre: Manga; Graphic Novel
Published: March 18, 2014
Publisher: VIZ Media.

Soma Yukihira’s old man runs a small family restaurant in the less savory end of town. Aiming to one day surpass his father’s culinary prowess, Soma hones his skills day in and day out until one day, out of the blue, his father decides to enroll Soma in a classy culinary school! Can Soma really cut it in a place that prides itself on a 10% graduation rate? And can he convince the beautiful, domineering heiress to the school that he belongs there at all?!

*Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this for a honest and unbiased review*

Rating

 Hello Fellow Readers,

Today I bring you The manga Food Wars. The main character, Soma, goal is to one day beat his father at cooking. His plans were to train & work in his father's kitchen. His dad has other plans. Now Soma is enrolled in the most prestige cooking school in Japan where only lot of the Students graduate. Will Soma graduate and finally win against his father or will he be expelled before he even gets to start?

My husband loves this anime, but honestly I don't watch too much TV. but when I saw the
that there was an opportunity to read the manga, I jumped at it. Soma is great, equal parts cocky badass, and nice guy. I really love the cast of characters that get introduced, there's quite a few to name so I won't do that but each are unique and fun. Honestly, I didn't know what to think at first. How is a manga about cooking supposed to be intense and exciting? I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was. Somehow, this manga was exciting, intense & funny, while also making me hungry as well.

I feel like the Author actually knows what they are talking about to. I really want to try to cook one of the dishes the way they are described in this manga because it sounds so legit. They way convey cooking was pretty great and I was surprised that I like the manga so much considering what it’s about.

The illustrations were great too. Saeki was able to convey the seriousness of each situation but also through in humor as well. Plus, the food looked mouthwatering.  Overall, a pleasant, humorous Manga that somehow makes cooking more intense than an episode of Dragonball Z, just don’t read this on an empty stomach or else.

Spy X Family Vol. 1; Tatsuya Endo

Title: Spy x Family
Author: Tatsuya Endo
Genre: Manga, Comic, Graphic Novel
Published: July 4, 2019(Japanese)/ June 2, 2020 (English)
Publisher: VIZ Media

An action-packed comedy about a fake family that includes a spy, an assassin and a telepath!
Master spy Twilight is the best at what he does when it comes to going undercover on dangerous missions in the name of a better world. But when he receives the ultimate impossible assignment—get married and have a kid—he may finally be in over his head!
Not one to depend on others, Twilight has his work cut out for him procuring both a wife and a child for his mission to infiltrate an elite private school. What he doesn’t know is that the wife he’s chosen is an assassin and the child he’s adopted is a telepath!

*A thank you to NetGalley, Tatsuya Endo, and VIZ Media for letting me read this in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

So this story really intrigued me, just so you know I am a sucker for fake relationship turned real when it comes to romance, and while this seems more action-packed and may not turn into romance at all (I wouldn't mind it even if it's just a friendship). The way Twilight gets introduced is pretty clever and I knew from that moment I would love this. 

As the summary suggests it is filled with action which I love, and it is done really well. Twilight is great, a loner who is dedicated to his career and is damn good at it. He seems ruthless and cold-hearted but as the story develops you do see more sides to Twilight that opens him up as a character. 

Next, you meet Anya who is so cute and childish (and a telepath), that I couldn't help just love her as soon as she was introduced. Since Anya is a telepath she knows Twilight's secret (and Yor's who is the assassin) and since she just wants to be loved and have a family she is determined to help Twilight achieve his goal. Since she is a child though and doesn't have the full understanding of what's going on she does let things slip which causes situations that are pretty funny.

Last, but not least you have Yor who, despite her caring and shy nature, is an assassin. Yor just wants to fit in and not make her younger brother worry about her so she 'marries' Twilight because not being married at the age of 29 is worrisome apparently. Her social awkwardness also leads to some comical situations.

All of these situations require Twilight's adaptation and quick thinking to come into play showing just how capable he is at being a spy, even if he doesn't really know how to be a father and husband. I really like this and will read the next one as soon as it is out in English! 

Once & Future Vol. 1; Kieron

Title: Once & Future (Volume 1)
Authors: Kieron Gillen; Dan Mora (Illustrations)
Genre: Fantasy; Mythology; Grapic Novel, Comics
Published: March 31st 2020
Publisher: BOOM! Studios

When a group of Nationalists use an ancient artifact to bring a villain from Arthurian myth back from the dead to gain power, retired monster hunter Bridgette McGuire pulls her unsuspecting grandson Duncan, a museum curator, into a world of magic and mysticism to combat the deadly secrets of England’s past that threaten its very future.
When a group of Nationalists use an ancient artifact to bring a villain from Arthurian myth back from the dead, retired monster hunter Bridgette McGuire pulls her unsuspecting grandson Duncan, a museum curator, into a world of magic and mysticism to defeat a legendary threat. Now the two must navigate the complicated history of the McGuire family, all while combating the deadly secrets of England’s past that threaten its very future.

*A Thank you to NetGalley, The Author, and Publisher for allowing me to read this for an honest and unbiased Review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

I've been reading too much during this quarantine, but I just can't stop (isn't that a good thing?) I did take a week off for finals but alas I am back and with another review. Considering that you saw the rating you can really tell I loved this. I read it in one sitting from start to finish and I could not stop!  Now, I am going to try to give my review without giving things away which is going to be hard because I want to talk about it hard but here goes...

First things first, I am so glad that my grandmother is not Bridgette McGuire! I don't know how Duncan handled things, considering everything that happened. Bridgette is a gun totting bad-ass, wait maybe I do want her to be my grandmother. She is a shoot first ask questions later type of gal. One thing I will say is that Gillen really showed the consequences of being this way.. one of the last moments breaks my heart a bit but I couldn't feel bad for Bridgette considering how she acted. 

Duncan was adorable, and I absolutely love him. I don't think I remember a time that I immediately liked a character at first page/panel but I did with Duncan. A true good guy and the complete light to Bridgette's dark. I love the lore that Gillen sets up with this, and if your a history buff that loves King Arthur's story that you definitely need to check this out. 

Mora's illustrations really blended well with Gillen's writing. He really set the dark tones when needed, but also made sure not to give too much away. I'm not a illustrator (I can barely draw a stick figure) but I know that drawing action and making it look good is hard to do. Also, let me say that nothing was overtly sexual, but there was some blood so keep that in mind.

Overall, I really loved this and I can't wait to see where this goes. 

Komi Can't Communicate; Tomohito Oda

Title: Komi Can't Communicate
Author: Tomohito Oda
Genre: Comic; Graphic Novel; Manga
Published: June 11, 2019
Publisher: VIZ Media

The journey to 100 friends begins with a single conversation.
Socially anxious high school student Shoko Komi’s greatest dream is to make some friends, but everyone at school mistakes her crippling social anxiety for cool reserve! With the whole student body keeping their distance and Komi unable to utter a single word, friendship might be forever beyond her reach.
Timid Tadano is a total wallflower, and that’s just the way he likes it. But all that changes when he finds himself alone in a classroom on the first day of high school with the legendary Komi. He quickly realizes she isn’t aloof—she’s just super awkward. Now he’s made it his mission to help her on her quest to make 100 friends!

*A thank you to NetGalley, Tomohito Oda, and VIZ Media for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*

Rating

Hello Fellow Readers,

So, I'm socially awkward (but an extrovert, I like social situations I just have trouble interpreting social situations and contexts. Sometimes when I finish a conversation I can make myself anxious wondering if I interpreted the situation correctly) so when I read the summary for this I KNEW I needed to read it. 

First of all, let me say I don't want to give too much away because I believe if you love graphic novels or mangas, you should read this. Anyway, Komi is super cute and relatable. I love how the author shows both Komi's perspective and how people see Komi. It made me realize that what you think is going on made not be what is actually happening or being thought. It was very great and refreshing. There is also Tadano, who is so perceptive and kind! He genuinely tries to help Komi makes friends and helps her whenever he can which I love. 

The other characters are all the typically weird Manga types, yet are their own in a weird way. There are not many considering this is only vol. 1, and I expect as Komi continues to try to achieve her goal of 100 friends you will see more so I can't wait to see what characters appear.

Overall, I will continue to read this Graphic Novel and will now search for Vol. 2 because I just love Komi and her friends.