Tag: 1 Star Reviews

Penelope, Josh, and friends are back with even more adventures! With Shirt and Pants reunited, what will happen this time around? Will this be the kids last adventure or is it just the beginning? Join the club! Penelope and Josh Rivera (now 10 and 12 years old) wrote and drew PAC 3 during the coronavirus pandemic. These two teamed up again to tell a very creative story (Book 2 was a collaboration by this brother/sister duo. Book 1 was written and created by Penelope @ 8 years old). They hope to one day have this series printed and sold at Barnes & Noble. Penelope’s dream is to be an author and hopes that this comic will make other kids laugh, happy, and entertained.In addition, Penelope and Josh would like to use these books as a vehicle to help others. In 2019 the kids donated all the sales of their eBooks to Give Kids The World in Orlando, Florida (a nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides week-long, cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families).

This comic book aims to captivate young readers with another installment of whimsical adventures. At the same time this comic book struggles a lot with repetitive storytelling and lacks the engaging elements necessary to hold my attention in this comic book. 

The story in this comic book follows Penelope and her friends as they embark on another adventure, but the narrative feels stagnant, offering little in terms of new experiences or insights. The plot is predictable, lacking the creativity and excitement needed to make the adventure memorable. This lack of innovation results in a narrative that feels more like a rehash of previous comic books in this series rather than a fresh journey.

Penelope, the protagonist, continues to be underdeveloped. Her character lacks depth and growth, making it difficult for me personally to connect with her journey. The supporting characters remain one-dimensional, serving as mere background figures rather than contributing meaningfully to the story. This lack of character development prevents the narrative from resonating emotionally with its audience.

The dialogues throughout this comic book continues to fall short of its potential. The illustrations are basic and lack the dynamic energy required to bring Penelope’s adventures to life. Backgrounds are sparse, and the lack of detail in character designs contributes to a static visual experience. This results in visuals that fail to drawn me personally into the world, leaving the adventures feeling uninspired and dull.

One of the core issues I had with this comic book is its inability to innovate or build upon previous stories. The series seems stuck in a cycle of repetition, with each installment offering similar plots and character interactions. This lack of growth and creativity makes it difficult for the series to maintain my interested in this comic book and this whole series over time.

Despite these shortcomings, the concept behind this comic book remains promising. With a focus on adventure, friendship, and discovery, it has the potential to be an engaging series for children. However, future comic books in this series need to focus on developing more complex characters, crafting engaging and varied plots, and enhancing the visual storytelling.

I Give This Book 1 / 5

All 5 comics have led to this epic finale. With Pants captured and Josh left behind, how will Penelope, Shirt, Shoes, and Hat rescue Pants from the Villainous Quartet and get back home? Get ready because this series finale promises to be the best adventure of them all!

This comic book continues the series with a promise of excitement and exploration. However this comic book struggles a lot with repetitive storytelling and lacks the character development necessary to engage me personally.

The story in this comic book attempts to follow Penelope and her friends on another adventure, aiming to captivate young readers with elements of fun and discovery. Despite the potential for creativity, the narrative feels stagnant, offering little in terms of new experiences or insights. The plot follows a predictable path, lacking the twists and turns that could make the adventure memorable.

Penelope, as the series’ protagonist, remains underdeveloped. Her character does not exhibit growth or depth, which makes it difficult for me personally to connect with her journey. The supporting characters, too, feel one-dimensional, serving more as background figures than active participants in the story. This lack of character depth prevents the narrative from resonating emotionally with readers.

The dialogues throughout this comic book  simplistic and lacks the charm needed to elevate the story. The interactions between characters are often flat and uninspired, missing opportunities to inject humor or meaningful exchanges. This results in a narrative that feels monotonous, with little to capture the interest of its audience.

The artwork itself in this comic book continues to fall short of its potential. The illustrations remain basic, missing the dynamic energy required to bring Penelope’s adventures to life. Backgrounds are sparse, and the lack of detail in character designs contributes to a static visual experience. The artwork fails to drawn me personally into the world, leaving the adventures feeling uninspired and dull.

One of the main issues I personally had with this comic book is its inability to innovate or build upon previous stories. The series seems stuck in a cycle of repetition, with each installment offering similar plots and character interactions. This lack of growth and creativity makes it difficult for me personally to maintain interested in this comic book or this series over time. 

Despite these shortcomings, the concept behind this comic book remains promising. With a focus on adventure, friendship, and discovery, it has the potential to be an engaging series for children. However, future installments comic books in this series need to focus on developing more complex characters, crafting engaging and varied plots, and enhancing the visual storytelling.

I Give This Book 1 / 5

Written and created by an 8 year old with the help of her 10 year old brother (writer/illustrator). This new series is a comic book for kids, written and drawn by kids. The first installment is 50 pages. 3 kids go into a portal that takes them to random places. Where do they end up? Who do they meet? What adventures do they come across? Penelope Rivera came up with the basis of this story in the 3rd grade and over the summer of 2018 had the ambitious idea to have it published and sold at Barnes & Noble. Her dream is to be an author when she grows up and hopes that this comic will make other kids laugh, happy, and entertained. In addition, Penelope and Josh would like to use this book as a vehicle to help others. In 2019, the kids donated a portion of the sales of their eBooks to Give Kids The World in Orlando, Florida (a nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides week-long, cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families). In 2020, because of the coronavirus, a portion of the sales of this eBook will be donated to Clean the World.

This comic book attempts to launch a whimsical journey filled with exploration and discovery. Unfortunately this comic book struggles with narrative cohesion and character development, leaving much to be desired.

The story in this comic book follows Penelope and her friends as they embark on a series of adventures meant to captivate young readers. The premise holds promise, aiming to blend elements of friendship, curiosity, and excitement. However, the execution falls flat, with a narrative that lacks depth and fails to engage me personally effectively.

Penelope, the protagonist, is introduced with the potential to be a charming and relatable character. Yet, her development is minimal, leaving her motivations and personality underexplored. The supporting characters fare no better, often appearing as mere plot devices rather than well-rounded individuals. This lack of character depth makes it challenging for me personally to form an emotional connection with the story.

The dialogues throughout this comic book are pretty simplistic and, at times, uninspired. Conversations between characters often feel forced, missing opportunities to inject humor or meaningful interactions that could enhance the narrative. This contributes to a sense of monotony, as the story progresses without memorable moments or engaging exchanges.

The artwork itself in this comic book does little to elevate the storytelling. The illustrations are basic and lack the dynamic energy needed to capture the excitement of Penelope’s adventures. Backgrounds are often sparse, and the character designs, lack expression and detail. This results in a visual experience that feels static and unremarkable.

One of the core issues I had with this comic book is its inability to balance simplicity with engagement. While the story is straightforward and easy to follow, it lacks the creativity and excitement necessary to capture the imaginations of young readers. The adventures themselves are predictable, offering little in the way of surprise or innovation.

Despite these shortcomings, the concept behind this comic book remains intriguing to me personally. With a focus on adventure, friendship, and discovery, it holds the potential to become an engaging series for children. However, to realize this potential, future comic books in this series would need to focus on developing richer characters, crafting more engaging plots, and enhancing the visual presentation.

I Give This Book 1 / 5

Can Superman keep Smallville from going to the dogs? Acts of awesomeness are happening around town. People are being rescued, runaway tractors stopped, and fires extinguished. This is all in a day’s work for the hero known only as “Superman.” But who is he, really?

This comic book aims to introduce the iconic hero to a younger audience through a lighthearted and accessible narrative. At the same time this comic book struggles to balance simplicity with engagement, resulting in a narrative that falls flat.

The story in this comic book follows a young Clark Kent navigating life in Smallville, discovering his powers, and learning to balance his responsibilities. While the premise is promising for a children’s graphic novel, the execution lacks depth and excitement. The narrative is overly simplistic, providing little in terms of character development or plot progression. As a result, it fails to capture the imagination or interest of its intended audience.

The creators of this comic book attempt to infuse humor and charm into the story, but the dialogue often feels forced and lacks the wit needed to engage young readers. The interactions between characters are surface-level, missing opportunities to explore the themes of friendship, responsibility, and identity that could resonate with children.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while whimsical, doesn’t fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The illustrations we get in this comic book are characterized by a playful style suited to a younger audience, with exaggerated expressions and simplified designs. However, the visuals lack the dynamic energy needed to convey the excitement of Superman’s adventures, resulting in a static and uninspiring presentation.

One of the main challenges I had with this comic book is its inability to balance accessibility with engagement. While the narrative is easy to follow, it doesn’t offer enough substance or intrigue to hold the attention of young readers. The story quickly becomes predictable, with little in the way of surprises or memorable moments.

Despite these shortcomings, the concept behind this comic book of introducing Superman to a younger audience through relatable themes and settings remains a valuable endeavor. With more attention to character depth, engaging dialogue, and dynamic visuals, future comic books in this series could better capture the spirit of Superman while appealing to children.

I Give This Book 1 / 5

10-Page Preview! Whatever showcases a remarkable collection of humorous and beautifully drawn short stories by artist Karl Stevens– creator of Failure and Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist The Lodger. Set in the world of young artists, dreamers, drinkers, layabouts and dime-store deep thinkers of bohemian Allston, Massachusetts, the strips–originally published in The Boston Phoenix–are revealing snapshots of real-life urban America at the dawn of the 21st century.

This comic book presents an attempt at capturing the mundane and absurdity of everyday life, but unfortunately, it falls short in execution. At the same time this comic book struggles with coherence and engagement, leaving readers puzzled rather than intrigued.

The narrative in this comic book appears to aim for a slice-of-life approach, exploring the trivialities and existential musings of its characters. However, the lack of a clear plot or direction results in a disjointed reading experience. The vignettes feel more like fleeting thoughts than fully formed stories, lacking the depth or wit needed to hold my interested. 

The character development in this comic book notably absent, which is a significant drawback. The characters are introduced briefly, but their personalities and motivations remain enigmatic. This lack of depth makes it difficult for me personally to connect with them or care about their experiences. Without relatable or compelling characters, the narrative struggles to find its footing.

The artwork itself in this comic book showcases a distinct style that could be appealing in another context, but here it feels mismatched with the narrative. The illustrations, while technically competent, do little to enhance the storytelling. The art seems to capture the mundane aspects of life, but without a strong narrative to support it, the visuals feel flat and uninspired.

One of the primary issues I had with this comic book is its pacing. The narrative meanders without a clear focus, leading to a sense of stagnation. Without a driving force or a central theme to tie the vignettes together, this comic book feels like a collection of random moments rather than a cohesive story. This lack of cohesion makes it challenging for me personally to stay engaged or find meaning in the narrative.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book might appeal to readers who enjoy abstract or avant-garde storytelling. However, for those looking for a more structured narrative or engaging character arcs, this comic book may not meet those expectations.

I Give This Book 1 / 5

A rip-roaring and heart-felt cosmic odyssey that pits humanity against machine, and world against world, to create a sprawling space opera from the creators of Trillium, Sweet Tooth, and Little Gotham.

This comic book embarks on a science fiction journey with a visually captivating universe. However, despite its promising concept and stunning artwork but at the same time this comic book struggles with lack of depth in storytelling and character engagement.

Jeff Lemire, known for his ability to create rich, emotional narratives, introduces readers to a future where humanity is grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic event. Giant robots, known as Harvesters, have decimated worlds, and the story follows TIM-21, a companion android who may hold the key to understanding these mysterious machines. While the premise is intriguing, the execution falls flat, with the narrative struggling to establish a strong connection with me personally in this comic book. 

The pacing of this comic book is one of the primary issues this comic book faces in my opinion. The story rushes through key plot points, leaving little room for character development or emotional resonance. TIM-21, who serves as the central character, lacks the depth necessary to make him relatable or compelling. The absence of a strong emotional core makes it difficult for me personally to invest in his journey or the broader implications of the plot.

The world-building aspect of this comic book, though conceptually interesting, is not fully realized in this debut issue. The setting feels underdeveloped, with scant details provided about the universe’s history or the societal impact of the Harvesters. This lack of context has left me personally with more questions than answers, hindering immersion and understanding.

The artwork itself in this comic book is a standout feature of this comic book. The illustrations that we get in this comic book bring a unique and ethereal quality to the comic, capturing the vastness and mystery of space. The character designs we get in this comic book are expressive, and his ability to convey emotion through subtle visual cues adds a layer of depth that the narrative lacks.

Despite the artistic strengths, this comic book’s of narrative cohesion and character focus undermines its overall impact. The story feels more like a prologue than a fully developed introduction, which has left me personally without a compelling reason to continue the series. The potential for exploring themes of identity, humanity, and survival is present but remains untapped in this initial installment.

I Give This Book 1 / 5

Award-winning comic and soon to be Netflix anime series! When dusk arrives in the city of Manila, that’s when you become the most likely prey of the underworld. Kidnappers and thieves will be the least of your worries. Beware the criminals that can’t be bound with handcuffs nor harmed with bullets. Beware the ones that crave for your blood, those who hold your heart ransom, and the ones that come to steal your soul. When crime takes a turn for the weird, the police call Alexandra Trese. The TRESE FCBD book features a preview from TRESE Vol 2: Unreported Murders, a section on the forthcoming Netflix TRESE anime series launching this summer (including an interview with Director Jay Oliva), bonus pages with w/ background about the monsters of Philippine myth, as told by TRESE creators Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, and a teaser on TRESE Vol 3: Mass Murders, coming this Sept from ABLAZE!

This comic book introduces us as readers to a world where Filipino folklore and urban fantasy collide. Despite its intriguing premise, this comic book falls short of delivering a captivating experience. While this comic book had potential for a rich narrative is present, the execution lacks the depth and clarity needed to engage me personally.

The narrative we get in this comic book centers around the protagonist, Alexandra Trese, a detective who deals with supernatural cases in Manila. The concept of blending local mythology with modern detective work is fresh and promising. However, this comic book struggles with pacing and structure, presenting a disjointed storyline that can be difficult to follow. Key plot points are introduced abruptly, which has left me personally with little context or understanding of the world and its rules.

The character development in this comic book is another area where this comic book falters in my opinion. Alexandra Trese, while initially intriguing, lacks depth and relatability. Her motivations and backstory are only superficially addressed, making it challenging for me personally to connect with her journey. Supporting characters are similarly underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while stylistically distinct, does not fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The black-and-white illustrations aim to capture the gritty atmosphere of Manila’s supernatural underworld. Although the artwork is detailed and occasionally striking, the overall visual storytelling lacks consistency. Some panels are cluttered, which can obscure the action and make it difficult to discern what is happening.

Despite these issues, the core idea behind this comic book significant potential. The integration of Filipino folklore into a modern urban setting is a unique approach that could offer rich storytelling opportunities. With better pacing, more detailed world-building, and deeper character exploration, future comic book could potentially deliver on this promise.

One of the key challenges with this comic book is its role as an introductory issue. As a Free Comic Book Day edition, it aims to entice new readers but unfortunately falls short in providing a clear and engaging entry point into the series. The lack of context and coherent narrative flow has left me personally as a new reader to this series confused rather than intrigued.

I Give This Book 1 / 5

DOUBLE-SIZED FOR SINGLE PRICE! THEIR MAGIC IS CHANNELED THROUGH THEIR TATTOOS! The Marked may look like cool young influencers, but beneath the designer clothes, their bodies are tattooed with the magical glyphs of an ancient order that secretly protects the world against evil forces. With no new occult threats, The Marked use their tattooed powers solely for the pursuit of pleasure until a young woman called Liza creates a dangerous new form of Hybrid Sorcery. The party is over for The Marked. You’ll believe in magic—terrifying, soul-destroying magic.

This comic book embarks on a journey into a world where magic and tattoos intertwine. Unfortunately, this comic book falls short of its intriguing premise. Despite the potential this comic book had, the story struggles with execution and fails to deliver a captivating introduction.

The narrative in this comic book introduces a secret society called The Marked, whose members use magical tattoos to protect the world from dark forces. While the concept is promising, the storytelling feels disjointed and lacks depth. The plot attempts to weave together themes of magic, power, and secrecy, but it often gets bogged down in exposition without offering meaningful character development or engaging dialogue.

The characters in this comic book are introduced rapidly, making it difficult to connect with them or understand their motivations. While there’s an attempt to establish a diverse cast, their personalities and backstories remain superficial. This lack of character depth leaves readers with little reason to invest in their journeys or care about their fates.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while technically proficient, struggles to bring the narrative to life. The illustrations are detailed, particularly in the depiction of the intricate tattoos that are central to the story. However, the overall visual storytelling feels static, lacking the dynamic energy needed to complement a tale about magic and adventure. The panel layouts are often cluttered, detracting from the clarity of the action and contributing to the disjointed feel of the narrative.

One of the main issues I had with this comic book is its pacing. The story rushes through key plot points without allowing sufficient time for the world-building or character development necessary to fully immerse myself in the story. Instead of gradually unveiling the mysteries of the magical society, the narrative relies heavily on exposition, which can feel overwhelming and disengaging.

Despite these shortcomings, the concept behind this comic book holds potential. The idea of using tattoos as a source of magical power is intriguing and could serve as a foundation for a compelling series if developed with more care and attention to detail. With stronger character arcs and a more coherent narrative structure, future comic books in this series might better explore the unique aspects of this world.

I Give This Book 1 / 5

CAPCOM’s legendary action-horror video game series, DARKSTALKERS, in the inimitable UDON comics style! In this zero issue, “The Eye of Belial,” the ultimate fate of Morrigan is foretold in fire and glory — and destruction, including her own!

This comic book aims to bring the vibrant world of Capcom’s Darkstalkers to life but unfortunately misses the mark. This comic book struggles a lot with coherence and depth, which has left me personally unsatisfied.

The narrative in this comic book tries to introduce the diverse cast of Darkstalkers, but the story lacks a clear focus. This comic book feels more like a series of disconnected scenes rather than a cohesive introduction to the series. Important elements and character motivations are glossed over, making it difficult for me personally to engage with the plot or care about the characters.

The characters introduced in this comic book are rushed, offering little insight into their backgrounds or personalities. The potential for exploring the intriguing lore of the Darkstalkers universe is overshadowed by a lack of depth and development. As a result, the characters come across as flat archetypes rather than compelling figures with unique stories.

The dialogues we get in this comic book is another area where this comic book falters in my opinion. Conversations often feel forced and expository, lacking the natural flow needed to draw me personally in. The interactions between characters do little to establish their relationships or add depth to the narrative, further detracting from the overall experience.

The artwork in this comic book is pretty inconsistent. While there are moments where the art captures the distinct style of the Darkstalkers universe, many panels lack the detail and dynamism needed to bring the story to life. The action sequences, which should be a highlight given the source material, are often cluttered and confusing, detracting from their impact.The character designs we get in this comic book, while faithful to the original game, lack the creative flair needed to make them stand out on the page.

Despite these shortcomings, there is a hint of potential in the concept. The Darkstalkers universe is rich with lore and diverse characters that could provide a foundation for compelling storytelling. However, “Darkstalkers #0” fails to capitalize on this potential, delivering an introduction that lacks the excitement and intrigue necessary to capture the audience’s attention.

I Give This Book 1 / 5