“The Delinquents (2014): Introduction” By Fred Van Lente Review

Quantum and Woody are the world’s worst superhero team. Archer & Armstrong are a mismatched pair of conspiracy-busting adventurers. When a mysterious force collides these ill-suited and irresponsible “heroes” are in for a cross-country race through the darkest corners of American mythology, all hell is bound to break loose. Can two busted pairs become four of a kind in time to defeat the Hobo King, save the day, and make it back home in time for happy hour? Let’s hope so…’cause these guys make a really, really bad team. 

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.

This preview sets out to blend humor and action in a comic crossover featuring some of Valiant Entertainment’s most eccentric characters. Unfortunately, despite its potential, this preview falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative.

The story in this preview brings together the unlikely duo of Archer & Armstrong with Quantum and Woody, promising a comedic adventure filled with hijinks and unexpected twists. While the premise is intriguing, the execution lacks focus. The plot meanders through a series of loosely connected events, making it difficult for me personally to follow the storyline or become invested in the characters’ journey.

The character development is one of this preview’s significant weaknesses. While Archer, Armstrong, Quantum, and Woody each have distinct personalities, their interactions often feel forced and devoid of depth. The potential for dynamic character exchanges is overshadowed by superficial humor that fails to add meaningful layers to their relationships. As a result, the characters come across as caricatures rather than fully realized individuals.

The writing style falls flat in this in this preview. The dialogues in this preview are often stilted, lacking the sharpness and charm needed to elevate the comedic elements. Conversations serve more as vehicles for jokes rather than opportunities for character development or plot advancement, which detracts from the story’s potential impact.

The artwork in this preview, while visually appealing, does little to enhance the narrative experience. The illustrations capture the chaotic energy of the adventure but fail to compensate for the lack of narrative cohesion. The visual style supports the comedic tone but does not add significant value due to the weak narrative foundation.

The pacing in this preview, is another problem I had with this preview. This preview has scenes that either drag without purpose or rush through potentially important moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression. The lack of a clear narrative arc further exacerbates this problem.

Despite these shortcomings, the concept in this preview of a crossover featuring such mismatched heroes holds potential for future comic books. With a more structured storyline and deeper exploration of character dynamics, subsequent issues could better capture the humor and adventure inherent in the premise.

So will I buy and read the full version of this comic book ? I don’t think I will. The main reason behind this is how poorly this preview was very uninteresting for me personally.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Gugure! Kokkuri-san #000” By Midori Endō Review

Kokkuri—A form a divination created long ago during a time of mass hysteria, and a favorite hobby of a young girl and self-proclaimed human doll, Ichimatsu Kohina. One day, she successfully summons Kokkuri-san through the divination game, but to her annoyance, she finds the handsome fox spirit clingy and immature. Seeing how Kohina lives alone and eats instant ramen every day, Kokkuri-san vows to cook her healthy meals and raise her properly! Enjoy the comedic and fluffy tales of this stoic girl and the eccentric spirits that she encounters along the way.

This comic book attempts to blend humor and supernatural elements but ultimately struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative. While the premise of this comic book has the potential for quirky charm, the execution leaves much to be desired in both storytelling and character development.

The story in this comic book centers around Kohina, a young girl who inadvertently summons Kokkuri-san, a fox spirit, through a traditional Japanese game. The spirit, instead of haunting her, takes on a protective role, leading to a series of comedic and supernatural misadventures. This setup offers ample opportunity for humor and heartwarming moments, but the manga falls short of fully capitalizing on its potential.

The character development is one of the weaker aspects of this comic book. Kohina is portrayed as emotionally detached, which, while intentional, often renders her interactions flat and repetitive. Her dynamic with Kokkuri-san lacks depth, as the spirit’s overprotectiveness quickly becomes predictable and one-dimensional. Supporting characters, intended to add variety and humor, are similarly underdeveloped and fail to make a significant impact on the narrative.

The humor in this comic book often relies on repetitive gags and slapstick comedy, which can feel forced and lack originality. While some moments are amusing, they are overshadowed by a reliance on clichés and predictable jokes that do little to advance the story or develop the characters. The comedic timing occasionally misses the mark, leading to a disjointed reading experience

The artwork in this comic book, is a redeeming feature of this comic book. The illustrations are clean and expressive, capturing the whimsical nature of the story. The character designs are visually appealing, with distinctive features that reflect their personalities. The artwork in this comic book has the ability to convey emotion through facial expressions adds some charm to the otherwise lackluster narrative.

The dialogues in this comic book tends to be straightforward but lacks the wit and nuance that could elevate the character interactions. Conversations often feel superficial, serving more as vehicles for jokes than as meaningful exchanges. More layered dialogue could have added depth to the relationships and provided insight into the characters’ personalities and motivations.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does have moments that hint at untapped potential. The concept of a fox spirit navigating the human world alongside a quirky young girl offers a framework for creative storytelling. With more focus on character depth and innovative humor, future comic books in this series could improve upon the foundation laid in this initial issue.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“A Countess for Christmas Vol. 1” By Jinko Soma & Christy McKellen Review

Emma takes a job as a maid at a high-class party to help pay off her late father’s debts. Once upon a time these parties had been her life. Caught up in the spell of nostalgia, Emma makes a disastrous mistake on the job. Her boss tries to take advantage of her vulnerability and forces himself on her.

This comic book attempts to deliver a heartwarming holiday romance but ultimately falls short. While the premise of this comic book premise holds potential for a charming and festive tale, the execution leaves much to be desired in both narrative depth and character development.

The story in this comic book follows a young woman who unexpectedly finds herself in the world of nobility during the holiday season. This setup promises a delightful mix of romance, culture clash, and festive cheer. However, the plot feels predictable and lacks the emotional depth needed to engage me personally fully. The narrative unfolds in a straightforward manner, with few surprises or twists to maintain interest.

The character development is limited in this comic book, which significantly impacts the story’s ability to resonate emotionally. The protagonist, while likable, is portrayed with minimal complexity. Her motivations and internal conflicts are not explored in depth, making it difficult for myself to connect with her on a meaningful level. Similarly, the supporting characters, including the countess, are not given enough dimension to make their interactions and relationships compelling.

The artwork in this comic book, while visually appealing, cannot entirely compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The illustrations are clean and expressive, capturing the elegance and charm of the aristocratic setting. The art style in this comic book suits the romantic genre well, with detailed character designs and picturesque scenes that reflect the festive atmosphere. However, even the artwork struggles to infuse life into the underdeveloped story.

The dialogues in this comic book are functional but lacks the wit and nuance that could elevate the characters and their interactions. Conversations feel overly simplistic and often serve merely to advance the plot rather than to reveal character insights or build tension. This simplicity in dialogue further contributes to the narrative’s predictability.

While this comic book aims to deliver a heartwarming romance, it struggles to find its footing due to its reliance on clichés and lack of originality. The story misses opportunities to explore themes of identity, belonging, and cultural differences, which could have added layers and interest to the plot.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Marvel Previews June 2023” By Various Review

Check out all the amazing new releases for June 2023!

This comic book offers a glimpse into the upcoming releases from Marvel Comics but struggles to deliver a cohesive or engaging overview. While the intent behind this comic book is to excite and inform readers about future storylines and releases, this comic book falls short in several key areas.

The previews in this comic book are meant to entice us as readers with teasers and artwork from various upcoming comics, yet the selection feels disjointed and lacks a compelling narrative thread. With a multitude of titles and genres crammed into a limited space, the preview suffers from a lack of focus. This scattershot approach can make it difficult for me personally to glean any meaningful insight into the stories being presented.

One of the main issues I had with this comic book is the pacing and organization of the content. The rapid-fire presentation of titles does not allow for any depth or meaningful engagement with the material. Each preview is given minimal space, resulting in a superficial overview that often fails to convey the essence of the story or its unique selling points. This can leave readers feeling overwhelmed and underwhelmed simultaneously, as they are bombarded with information without the context needed to make it compelling.

The artwork in this comic book, while showcasing a range of styles and talents, is often presented in a way that feels disconnected from the narrative. Without sufficient narrative context, even the most striking visuals can lose impact. The previews lack the cohesion that would allow the artwork to shine alongside well-crafted storytelling.

Another issue I had with this comic book was the lack of clear thematic or stylistic grouping. The previews jump erratically between different genres and tones, which can be jarring for readers trying to find titles that align with their interests. A more structured approach, perhaps grouping similar genres together or providing a thematic overview, could have made the content more accessible and engaging.

This comic book has some pretty intriguing titles and potential gems hidden within the pages, the presentation does little to highlight them effectively. The lack of standout features or spotlight sections means that many promising stories may be overlooked due to the sheer volume of content and lack of emphasis.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Rai, Volume 2: Battle for New Japan” By Matt Kindt & Clayton Crain Review

In the aftermath of the devastating battle for 41st-century Japan, Rai must pick up the pieces as he grapples with the startling truth about Father and his purpose. Will Rai remain a champion of the people or will he succumb to the same fate as the men who carried the mantle before him? And why is everyone looking at him so strangely?

This comic book presents a visually impressive continuation of the series but struggles with narrative depth. While the artwork captivates, the story falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging experience.

This comic book is set in the technologically advanced yet dystopian world of New Japan. And this comic book follows Rai, the guardian of the nation, as he grapples with rebellion and existential dilemmas. Kindt’s ambition to explore themes of identity and control is evident, but the execution lacks clarity and focus. The plot meanders, making it difficult for me personally to become fully invested in Rai’s journey.

The character development is a notable weakness in this comic book. Rai, as the central figure, is not given enough depth or emotional complexity. His internal struggles and motivations are only superficially addressed, that have left me with a protagonist who feels detached and one-dimensional. The supporting characters, while intriguing, are similarly underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.

The writing style in this comic book introduces a world filled with potential for rich storytelling but often leans heavily on exposition rather than allowing the narrative to unfold organically. The dialogue, while serviceable, lacks the emotional weight and nuance needed to elevate the stakes or deepen character connections. This reliance on telling rather than showing detracts from the overall impact of the story.

The artwork is a highlight of this comic book. The stunning visuals capture the futuristic and intricate landscape of New Japan with breathtaking detail. The use of color and texture creates a vivid and immersive atmosphere, enhancing the sci-fi elements of the narrative. Each panel is meticulously crafted, bringing the world to life with a dynamic and cinematic quality.

Despite its visual strengths, the pacing of this comic book is uneven. The story oscillates between action-packed sequences and slower, introspective moments, but the transitions often feel abrupt. This inconsistency disrupts the flow, making it challenging for me personally to maintain engagement or fully appreciate the narrative’s progression.

The thematic exploration in this comic book of control, rebellion, and identity is present but not deeply explored. While these themes are woven into the plot, they lack the depth and complexity needed to provoke meaningful reflection or resonance. A more thorough examination of these ideas could have added layers to the narrative, making it more compelling.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Rooming with a Gamer Gal #001” By Renjuro Kindaichi Review

Takumi Satsuki (Early 20s, Male – Female in-game) became friends with Goro-san (Male) on Dragon Quest X, and they decide to become roommates. When he goes to meet up with Goro-san though, who he finds standing there is someone who doesn’t resemble their character in game one bit—a gyaru…?! This unintentionally catfished couple has a lot in store for them in this fun romantic comedy!

This comic book introduces a premise with potential but ultimately falls short in execution. At the same time the story in this comic book aims to blend comedy and slice-of-life elements but struggles with depth and engagement.

The narrative in this comic book revolves around the unlikely pairing of the protagonist with a gamer girl, exploring the dynamics of their cohabitation. While the setup promises humor and relatable scenarios, the plot lacks direction and cohesion. The story often feels like a collection of loosely connected scenes rather than a unified narrative, making it challenging for me personally to become fully invested.

The character development is a significant weakness in this comic book. The protagonist and the gamer girl are introduced with minimal depth, and their personalities remain largely unexplored. Their interactions, while occasionally amusing, lack the emotional weight and complexity needed to create meaningful character arcs. This superficial treatment had left me wanting more substance and understanding of their motivations.

The writing style in this comic book introduces scenarios that could have been rich with comedic potential, but the humor often falls flat. The dialogues are serviceable but lacks the wit and charm necessary to elevate the comedic elements. Conversations serve more as exposition than genuine exchanges, which detracts from the potential for dynamic character interactions.

The artwork in this comic book is visually appealing, with expressive character designs and detailed backgrounds that capture the everyday setting. While the visuals add an element of charm, they cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The artwork supports the story but does not enhance the overall impact due to the lack of narrative depth.

The pacing of this comic book is inconsistent, with scenes that either drag without adding value or rush through potentially significant moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow of the story, making it difficult for me personality to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression.

Despite its weaknesses, the concept of exploring the dynamics between a non-gamer and a gamer holds potential for future development. With a stronger narrative structure and deeper exploration of character motivations, subsequent installments could better capture the humor and relatability inherent in the premise.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Climate Keepers: Agents of Project Zero” By Nadia Shaik & Caitlin Like Review

This comic book gives us a timely concept centered around environmental activism but struggles with execution and unused potential that it had in my opinion. The narrative and character development fall short of creating an engaging and cohesive story.

The premise of this comic book revolves around a group of young activists, the Climate Keepers, who are part of Project Zero, an initiative to combat climate change. While the concept is both relevant and ambitious, the story fails to delve deeply into the complexities of environmental issues or provide a compelling narrative to drive the message home.

The character development in this comic book is one of the primary weaknesses. The protagonists, meant to inspire and lead the charge against climate change, are not given enough depth or backstory to make them relatable or memorable. Their motivations are superficially presented, making it difficult for readers to connect with their struggles or triumphs. This lack of depth undermines the potential impact of their mission and the stakes involved.

The writing style in this comic book introduces various plot elements, but the execution feels disjointed and unfocused. The dialogue often lacks the emotional weight and urgency needed to convey the gravity of the environmental challenges the characters face. Opportunities to explore the personal and emotional aspects of activism are missed, leaving the narrative feeling flat and uninspiring.

The artwork in this comic book while visually appealing in some aspects, does not consistently enhance the storytelling. While certain scenes capture the urgency of the climate crisis with vivid imagery, others appear static and fail to convey the dynamic nature of the characters’ mission. A more consistent and engaging visual style could have added energy and depth to the narrative.

The pacing of this comic book is another issue I had with this comic book. The story progresses unevenly, with some sections feeling rushed while others linger without adding significant value. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it challenging for me persoanlly to maintain interest and engagement or even fully grasp the plot’s progression.

However I liked the focus of this comic book which is on climate change. The potential to educate and inspire action is present, but it requires a more nuanced approach to storytelling and character development. Exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the Climate Keepers could add layers of complexity and engagement to the narrative.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Starcraft: Ghost Academy Vol. 3: Preview” By David Gerrold Review

10-Page Preview! The groundbreaking trilogy concludes! Struggling to forget her harrowing past, Nova, a powerful psionic soldier-in-training, has found strength in her fellow trainees. That newfound resolve will be put to the test when she and her team are dispatched to an abandoned mining planet for a real-world training exercise. There, they pick up a distress signal from a nearby planet. Following the signal through hordes of terrifying zerg, they rescue a group who turn out to be friends from Nova’s past!

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.

This preview attempts to delve deeper into the intricate world of Starcraft. Also this preview struggles to provide a cohesive and engaging narrative, which had left me  wanting more substance and clarity.

The story in this preview aims to explore the ongoing challenges faced by the students at the Ghost Academy, focusing on their training and missions. While the premise holds potential for tension and character development, the execution lacks the depth necessary to fully engage me personally. The preview introduces several plot threads, but none are developed enough to create a compelling storyline.

The character development in this preview is notably lacking. The characters, who should be the driving force of the narrative, are not given ample attention or depth. Their motivations and personal conflicts are only superficially touched upon, making it difficult for me to connect with or invest in their journeys. This lack of character focus detracts from the overall impact of the story.

The writing style in this preview introduces elements of intrigue and conflict, but the narrative feels disjointed and unfocused. The dialogue often comes across as flat and lacking the intensity needed to elevate the stakes. There are moments where the potential for drama and tension is evident, but these moments are quickly overshadowed by the fragmented storytelling.

The artwork in this preview does little to enhance the narrative experience. The illustrations fail to capture the dynamic and high-stakes environment of the Ghost Academy, often appearing static and uninspired. A more dynamic visual approach could have added energy and emotion to the storyline, compensating for some of the narrative shortcomings.

The pacing is another issue for this preview. The story progresses at an uneven pace, with some scenes feeling rushed while others drag without adding meaningful content. This inconsistency disrupts the flow of the narrative, making it challenging for readers to maintain interest or follow the plot’s progression.

So will I buy and read the full version of this comic book ? I don’t think I will. The main reason behind this is how poorly this preview was very uninteresting for me personally.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Snotgirl #1 No New Friends” By Bryan Lee O’Malley & Leslie Hung Review

Is she a gorgeous, fun-loving social media star with a perfect life or a gross, allergy-ridden mess? Enter a world of snot, blood, and tears in this new ongoing series from New York Times Best Seller Bryan Lee O’Malley and dazzling newcomer Leslie Hung.

This comic book introduces us to a world of fashion, social media, and personal insecurities but falls short in execution. Despite its intriguing premise and vibrant artwork, this comic book struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative.

The story in this comic book follows Lottie Person, a glamorous fashion blogger who battles severe allergies and insecurities beneath her polished exterior. This duality between her online persona and real-life challenges offers a promising exploration of identity and authenticity in the age of social media. However, the narrative fails to fully capitalize on this potential.

The character development is one of this comic book’s primary weaknesses. Lottie, while visually striking, lacks depth and relatability. Her motivations and internal struggles are not adequately explored, making it difficult for me personally to connect with or empathize with her character. The supporting cast also suffers from minimal development, with friends and acquaintances feeling more like caricatures than fully realized individuals.

The writing style in this comic book introduces a world filled with potential for satire and commentary on modern digital life, but the execution is uneven. The dialogue often feels superficial, lacking the sharpness and wit that could elevate the story. There are moments where the narrative hints at deeper themes, but these are not sufficiently developed to leave a lasting impact.

The artwork in this comic book is a standout feature. The vibrant and stylish illustrations capture the glossy, curated world of fashion blogging, adding visual appeal to the story. The character designs are distinctive and expressive, effectively conveying Lottie’s dual life. However, even strong artwork cannot fully compensate for the shortcomings in plot and character development.

The pacing of this comic book is another area of concern. This comic book introduces several plot threads but fails to weave them together cohesively. This results in a disjointed reading experience, where the stakes and direction of the story remain unclear. Key moments feel rushed, leaving little room for tension or emotional resonance.

Despite its weaknesses, the concept of this comic book holds potential for future growth. With more focused storytelling and deeper character exploration, the series could evolve into a compelling commentary on the pressures of digital life and the quest for authenticity.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Making Magic: The Sweet Life of a Witch Who Knows an Infinite MP Loophole #001” By Aloha Zachou & Shin Haruhara Review

Meet Chise, a young girl who is reborn in a new world with her old memories lost. A goddess grants her the gift of ‘Creation Magic’ under one condition – that she enjoys her new life! Together with Teto, a golem she creates, Chise embarks on an enchanting journey across the world.

This comic book presents an intriguing premise but struggles with execution. At the same time this comic book combines elements of fantasy and slice-of-life, offering potential that is not fully realized.

The story in this comic book follows a witch who discovers a loophole allowing her to access infinite magical power. This concept is promising, opening the door to creative storytelling and humorous scenarios. However, the narrative lacks depth and focus, often relying on repetitive plot points that fail to engage me personally fully.

The character development is one of this comic book’s significant weaknesses. The protagonist, while initially interesting, lacks depth and complexity. Her motivations and personality are underexplored, making it difficult for readers to connect with her journey. The supporting characters, introduced with little backstory or development, serve primarily as foils or comedic relief, rather than adding meaningful layers to the narrative.

The writing style in this comic book introduces a world filled with magical possibilities, but the execution is uneven. The dialogue often feels forced and lacks the wit and charm needed to elevate the story. Conversations serve more as exposition than genuine interactions, which detracts from the potential for dynamic character exchanges.

The artwork is a redeeming aspect of this comic book. The illustrations capture the whimsical nature of the magical world with vibrant designs and expressive characters. The visual style adds an element of charm, enhancing the lighthearted tone of the story. However, even strong artwork cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings.

The pacing of this comic book is very inconsistent, with scenes that either drag without adding value or rush through potentially significant moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow of the story, making it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression.

Despite its weaknesses, this comic book’s concept holds potential for future development. With a stronger narrative structure and deeper exploration of character motivations, subsequent installments could better capture the whimsy and creativity inherent in the premise.

I Give This Book 2 / 5