“Monster Me Vol. 1: No Fair” By iPOP! Labs Review

This 3-issue edition includes All Phone & Games, Body Chemistry and Newmon. Join in on the adventure as Newmon and his fellow classmates experience cyberbullying, learn about nutrition and tackle bullying together. Includes a teacher’s guide.

I need to admit that I liked this book better than the previous comic books I’ve read in this series. But of course I will explain everything I liked and didn’t liked about this comic book in this review. So lets get into this review. 

I gotta say that this comic book finally makes the world of this comic book and the whole series slightly intriguing while also having a lot of potential. Even thou it falls short on some aspects like the previous comic books I’ve read in this series. 

This comic book has a fun backdrop for the story, and it a way it offers us a mix of the ordinary and the fantastical which a lot of younger readers will probably like a lot. 

The big thing which this comic book does better than the previous comic book I’ve read from this series is that it finally makes the concept of this series of blending blending everyday life with monster-infused adventures was actually engaging and interesting in this comic book.

The characters are finally getting some form of actually having personalities, which of course didn’t happen in the previous comic books I’ve read in this series. The fact that the characters are starting to have some form of having personalities gives us a solid foundation of how this series can improve in the future. 

But there are moments in this comic book where the come characters feel pretty under-explored, which of course makes this comic book feel like it lacks depth and backstory to some of the characters. Which again affects how the readers can connect with those under-explored characters in this comic book. 

The plot in this comic book is pretty straightforward. At the same time as if offers us a light and enjoyable read, even thou it lacks some aspect which would make this comic book interesting. 

The pacing remains steady for the most part in this comic book. But there are times where the pacing changes slightly but it was still noticeable, at least for me it was.

There are also moments in this comic book, where the comic book lacks tension and excitement which would really make me engaged in the plot throughout the entire comic book, and not just some parts of this comic book. 

At the same time the plot in this comic book has some predictable moments and moments which are pretty similar to moments from other comic books in this series. Which of course affects the whole “unique plot” aspect of this comic book. 

The narrative in this comic book could have been better, because it is very simple and it doesn’t offer us a lot of good descriptions and dialogues. The descriptions and dialogs feel almost the same as in the previous books in this comic book series. Which is that the descriptions and dialogs feels like being one step away from feeling like it was written by ChatGPT

The artwork of this comic is the same as in the previous comic book in this series. Which of course means, that the artwork is very simplistic and it lacks a lot of details. 

The writing style in this comic book is very simple and easy to follow. Which of course is very suitable for the target audience of this comic book and the whole comic book series which is around 5 to 9 year old.  

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“FCBD 2018: Avengers/Captain America #1” By Jason Aaron & Ta-Nehisi Coates & Sara Pichelli & Leinil Francis Yu Review

Free Comic Book Day 2018 is your perfect chance to dive into the Marvel Universe! With a story from Jason Aaron and art by Sara Pichelli, Marvel’s FCBD title debuting this May features stories that set the stage for an epic new direction for the Avengers in the Marvel Universe. Plus, a Captain America story from Ta-Nehisi Coates and Leinil Francis Yu leading into their upcoming Captain America series!

After buying a Kindle in December 2024, I noticed that there are a lot of free and cheap comics available. And I have wanted to get into comics for at least the past 2 years but I never actually done that until I got the kindle because physical comics are more expensive than books (at least they are in Norway and Poland).

This comics contains two stories and because of this, this comics is all over the place in a way and I think it would have been better if it just separated the two stories into two different comics because it would have been less confusing and we could have only focused on one story at a time.

Captain America in the first story is slightly confusing because it keeps jumping back and forward in time and action without a reason to. Which really annoyed me. And the second story in this comics has the same problem in that it keeps jumping back and forward in time without any heads up for the reader. 

But overall this comics is pretty quick to read and it is somehow fun to read even thou it isn’t the best comic book I’ve read so far in my life. 

If you are like me and just starting your adventure with comic books then I would recommend to wait with reading this one until you came a little longer in your comic book journey.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Monster Me #3: Newmon” By iPOP! Labs Review

Don’t be a bully! Follow the adventures of Newmon as he interacts with his classmates Sky & Izumi, who ultimately teach valuable lessons on friendship and sharing. Includes a teacher’s guide.

I gotta say that I have a love and hate relationship with this comic book series. Because a part of me likes reading those comic book while the other hates it because of how simple it is. But without making the intro longer than it needs to be, lets get into the review.

This comic book tries to build on the excitement and interested of the previous comic book in this series. But in my opinion the this comic book doesn’t improve the series at all. Yes this comic book is better than the previous comic books in this series, but it still isn’t good enough for me to truly like this comic book or the whole series in general.

The storyline in this comic book feels underdeveloped. At the same time it lacks the depth needed to truly make me engaged with the story. 

When it comes to the plot in this comic book, I need admit that it is predictable. But also the plot fails in a way to introduce any intriguing twists or memorable moments which would make me interested in the book long enough to give it a good rating.

The narrative in this book is very uninteresting, it does have some good moments here and there. But these moments are very rare, and they don’t happen a lot. 

The characters in this book are very one dimensional and they lack personality. The characters feel like they are just there to help the plot be told rather than make the plot move forward with the characters. Which of course means that it is hard to connect with the character or actually care about their journeys in this comic book or in the entire series in general.

The character development is almost none-existing in this book, because throughout the whole comic books and the whole series in general all of the characters remain exactly the same.

The pacing in this comic is pretty inconsistent. Because there are parts of this comic book which drags for too long making the entire comic book boring and uninteresting, while other parts of this comic book feel very rushed and doesn’t give us any details but rather a skeleton of the plot. 

Because of the inconsistent pacing throughout this comic book, it is very hard to actually stay invested in the story for longer than a page or 2. Because of how often the pacing changed in this comic book.

The writing style in this comic book is pretty simplistic which of course would appeal to younger readers which this comic book (and the whole series) is meant for. 

The descriptions and dialogues in this comic book get very repetitive and monotone. Both the descriptions and dialogues felt like it was one step away from feeling like it was written by ChatGPT, because of who almost unrealistic both the descriptions and dialogues were in this comic book. 

I think that younger readers between 5 and 9 would love this comic book, but the moment some older than 9 readers this book, they would be pretty unsatisfied with this comic book. And I am of course one of those people who are unsatisfied.

The artwork in this comic book, was very simplistic and it avoids details like the plague. Which really is never a good to say about a comic book. 

One of the biggest things this comic book struggles with is that it feels to grab the attention of readers older than 9 years of age. Which is really a not a good thing, because this comic book is only available on kindle, and I don’t know not even one 9 year old who has their own kindle. 

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Monster Me: Monster Maker” By iPOP! Labs Review

Newmon’s magical “pend” draws ANYTHING – including any toy or product he could ever want. But after he owns EVERYTHING, does he really have it all?

This comic book had the the potential to be a a captivating and fun read, but in my opinion this comic book didn’t use the potential that it had. But it can just be me here, because this comic book is meant for children rather than 22-year-old university students so it can just be me being to harsh on this comic book. 

I really liked the premise of this book, because the premise of it is of friendly toddler monsters learning and having fun even thou they sooner or later do something stupid. And by doing it, the comic book tries to teach children on why doing similar things which the toddler monsters did in this comic might not be the best idea. 

This comic book is a lighthearted entreatment where you don’t have to think about what is happening on page before you, and I think a first grade or second grade kid would have a good time reading this one

Even thou I liked the premise and potential of this comic book, I need to admit that I wasn’t a fan of how is was narrated and presented to us. The narration and the presentation leaves a lot of be desired from it. Since both of those make the whole story feel very boring and uninteresting, thats at least how it was for me.

At the time of writing this review, this comic book is only available on kindle / other e-readers. Here I need to comment on the fact that the user interface with this comic book was very clunky and unintuitive at least on my kindle 11th generation. 

This comic book has very limited customization options which means you are more or less stuck with the poor user interface of this comic book, which really didn’t help with liking this comic book more than I already did. 

The graphics of this comic book felt very outdated, and it lacked details in the artwork of this comic book. The monsters often appear awkward, and because of the artwork the monsters felt like they lacked personality. 

The story itself is more or less pretty repetitive at least thats how it felt more, because the characters would pretty much do very similar things throughout the entire comic book which felt very repetitive and like the author didn’t knew how to write a good comic book without recycling the same things over and over throughout the entire come book.

The story also didn’t have a lot of engagement, where the story would engage with the readers. This comic book is meant for children so it wouldn’t hurt if it engaged with the readers to make interested. 

The last thing which annoyed me about the story is that it lacked any form for challenge or goals which the characters would face throughout the book.  Which really didnt help me stay interested in the story. 

Overall its not a bad read for an adult, but I strongly believe that the first and second graders this book is meant for would so much more fun reading this book. 

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“The Miracle of the Mountain Quilt: An Appalachian Christmas Story” By  Angela Tilsher Review

When a once-in-a-century hurricane tears through the Appalachian Mountains, it leaves behind more than broken homes-it leaves shattered hearts. But amidst the ruins, a patchwork of hope begins to form. In this heartwarming Appalachian Christmas tale, a family’s heirloom quilt, thought to be lost forever, finds its way back home.

I gotta say that this one was a surprise for me because Ive expected to like this one but after reading this one I gotta say that it was the opposite of good. 

This one is sort of a picture book but not quiet. Yes there are a illustrations on each page of this book but at the same time the text on each page is much longer than on the regular picture-books.

The book had a good premise for the plot, but the way the book presents the story wasn’t exactly my piece of the cake. Of course it could be just me after binge-reading a lot of books on my kindle which might have not helped me liking this book. But hey thats are my thoughts about this book. 

The plot in this book is very vague and doesn’t go into a lots of details and backstory. Which for me was way too vague which didn’t help me while reading this book.

For the most part the plot here was huh. I feel like the plot would have been much better if it was longer and maybe didn’t have as many illustrations as it had. 

The characters here, well I cant say a lot about them because we don’t learn anything other than a one or two facts about them throughout this entire book. And I feel like I don’t know enough about them after reading this book to really make any opinions about them and if I like them or not.

The writing style here was probably the best thing about this book, because it is very charming and sweet in a way. And I really really enjoyed the writing style.

I Give This Book 1 / 5

“Batman: The Ten Cent Adventure” By Greg Rucka & Dave Johnson Review

This kick-off to the 12-part ”Bruce Wayne: Murderer?” storyline is a one-shot you can’t afford to miss! When Batman responds to a series of crimes, little does he know that a crime is also occurring in the one place in the world he considers safe–his home!

I gotta say that this comic book is probably the best comic book I’ve read so far in my life. But at the same time I gotta admit that I haven’t read a lot of comic books so far in my life. 

This comic book is a very quick read and Ive read it under 20 minutes. Which really surprise me.

But even thou this book is a quick read, it doesn’t mean its bad. Its actually the opposite of that. This comic books is very good because in a way it captures the essence of batman and how it was like watching “Batman: The Animated Series” as a kid for the first time and getting sucked into the world of superheroes.

This comic books takes us in a way under the mask of batman, and actually how it is for Bruce Wayne to be the Batman where most comic books about bantam focuses on the action of Batman rather than psychology of batman.

If you are planing to start your journey into superhero comic books then I would easily recommend to anyone to start with this one. 

I Give This Book 4 / 5

“Monster Me #1: All Phone & Games” By iPOP! Labs Review

Cyberbullying is now all too common in the classroom and in our daily lives. Follow the adventures of Newmon and his fellow classmates as they create “doh” creations and take photos on their cellphones with questionable intentions. Includes a teacher’s guide.

I gotta admit that reading a comic book for children as an adult isnt the best choice or the smartest choice but I just did that. So we are going to talk about my thoughts about this comic book in this review.

This comic book presents an intriguing premise that unfortunately falls short in execution for an adult, since this comic book is very simple and easy to understand. Way too easy and simple for an adult. But if a child reads this comic I believe they will have pretty good time and will like this comic book a lot.

The concept of this comic book is blending monsters with modern technology and gaming culture is very unique and something which would make children interested in reading it. But if you are reading this comic book as an adult as I did then you will think that this comic book struggles to deliver a narrative that fully engages its audience which is true if an adult reads it. 

The story revolves around a cast of quirky monster characters who navigate a world dominated by smartphones and gaming. While this setup could lead to humorous and insightful commentary on our tech-obsessed lives, the execution lacks the depth and creativity needed to make it truly compelling.

For an adult this story feels very  disjointed, jumping from one scenario to another without providing a coherent storyline or emotional stakes.

The artwork, while colorful and dynamic, often feels cluttered and chaotic. Instead of enhancing the narrative, the illustrations can detract from it, making it difficult to follow the action or appreciate the character designs. There are moments of potential, particularly in the monster designs, but they are overshadowed by inconsistent execution.

Character development is another area where “Monster Me #1” falters. The characters are introduced with little backstory or depth, leaving them feeling flat and one-dimensional. This lack of development makes it hard for readers to form any attachment or care about their journeys.

Despite its flaws, there are occasional glimpses of humor and creativity that shine through, hinting at what could have been a more engaging story. However, these moments are few and far between, making it difficult to overlook the overall lack of cohesion.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“The Inventor #1” By Rave Mehta &  Erik Williams Review

The Inventor is the story of how one man stood against the goliaths of industry and changed the world with nothing but his mind, passion, and vision for a better humanity. At the end of the 19th century, during a time when inventors were known as wizards and corporations considered their kingdoms, emerged an extraordinary league of gentlemen who shaped the modern world with their minds, money and machines. Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse, J.P. Morgan, Guglielmo Marconi, Mark Twain, Lord Kelvin, Swami Vivekananda and others stood at the helm of the ship as the perfect storm was approaching. 

I gotta admit here, I really like this comic book. Since it is captivating from the very first page, offering a delightful blend of creativity, adventure, and emotional depth.

The plot of this comic book is about a young inventor with dreams that stretch beyond the ordinary. Which I personally really liked and found to be very interesting and enjoyable.

The storytelling in this comic book is good since the narrative of this comic book is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The protagonist’s journey is filled with challenges and discoveries, making it easy for us as readers to root for their success. 

The pacing in this comic book is in my opinion very spot-on, with a perfect balance of action, character development, and world-building that keeps the reader hooked.

In my opinion the artwork in this comic book is a standout element of this comic. Since the illustrations in this comic book are vibrant and dynamic, perfectly complementing the narrative. Each panel is meticulously crafted, bringing the inventive creations and fantastical settings to life.

The character designs are expressive, capturing a range of emotions that enhance the storytelling.

I Give This Book 5 / 5

“Warstone: Preview” By Josh Blaylock &  Matt Cossin Review

Abaddon is a fantastical world of elves, wizards and dragons with one catch … the magic they rely upon for power is long-gone, depleted like a natural resource. And the evil Asmodeus, a dark sorcerer who lords over legions of ogres and goblins, has decided to invade another world ripe with magic; A world whose populace hasn’t the slightest clue how to wield Earth!

Let me start this review by saying that this one is just a preview for the entire comic book. And I read it because I wanted to see if the full comic book was worth the money and time I would spend on it. And im gonna give you the answer for that at the end of this review.

I gotta admit that I liked this preview a fair share which made me put the full version of this comics on my TBR list to be read at some point within the next 10 years. 

This preview presents an exciting and promising introduction to a new fantasy saga which was really captivating for me. This preview show us that the full version of this comic book has a rich word and the characters in it are pretty compelling.

One of the standout features of this preview is the immersive world it presents to us as readers. At the same time this preview presents the lore to be richly detailed, hinting at a complex history and a vibrant culture

The concept which this preview presents was in a way powerful artifact central to the plot, is intriguing and serves as a great catalyst for the unfolding conflict.

The storytelling in this preview was very engaging and at the same time it was skillfully weaving together elements of mystery, adventure, and magic.

The artwork in this preview did complements the narrative beautifully, with dynamic illustrations that bring the characters and settings to life. At the same type the artwork did capture the essence of the world and

The character designs are particularly noteworthy, showcasing a diverse cast that adds depth to the story.

Character development is another strong point in this preview. The protagonists are introduced with clear motivations and relatable struggles.

The dynamics between characters in this preview are well-crafted, hinting at personal growth and potential conflicts that promise to unfold in the full series.

However, the preview does leave some questions unanswered, which is both a strength and a weakness. While it successfully piques interest and builds anticipation, some readers may find the pacing a bit uneven, particularly in the exposition. 

A bit more balance between action and background detail could in my opinion really improve the overall flow of the narrative.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

“The Art of ReBoot Preview” By Various Review

The Art of ReBoot is the most comprehensive collection of art from the groundbreaking CGI animated series. It features conceptual design illustrations from UK legend, Brendan McCarthy (Judge Dredd, Shade the Changing Man, Solo). Also illustrations from Scott Lee (PITT Crew) and Dean Ormstrom (Lucifer) and many others. The artbook also features a 10 page section of new artwork from leading industry artists. A must-have for any ReBoot and animation fans!

Let me start this review by saying that this one is just a preview for the entire comic book. And I read it because I wanted to see if the full comic book was worth the money and time I would spend on it. And I’m gonna give you the answer for that at the end of this review.

This preview offers us the artistic journey behind “ReBoot. Which ive heard was a big part of a lot of people’s childhoods but not mine since I never heard about this series before reading this preview.

The artwork is very stunning and it offers us a unique animation style to this preview. Since the illustrations are vibrant and showcase the creativity that went into bringing the digital world of Mainframe to life.

We as readers get the behind-the-scenes glimpses of character designs, concept art, and the evolution of the visual style throughout the series.

One of the things which annoyed me a lot in this preview was the lack of cohesive narrative. Since the storyline in this preview often feels disjointed and lacking in depth. We don’t get a lot of context about the creative process or insights into the challenges faced by the artists and animators of this series.

The information we do get in this preview feels somewhat surface-level, which can leave fans craving a deeper exploration of the show’s legacy.

In my opinion this preview could have included more diverse perspectives from the various contributors. While there are some interesting anecdotes, the voices feel limited, and a broader range of insights would have enriched the overall experience. Because I think it would have helped to capture the collective effort that went into creating such an innovative series.

I Give This Book 3 / 5