“Zombie Tramp Vol. 2: Introduction” By Dan Mendoza Review

Everyone’s favorite street-walking dead returns! Janey the Zombie Tramp makes a mysterious new friend and together they board an express train to more fetish, gore, and cartoon grindhouse mayhem in the style that fans of the series have come to love! Are Janey’s budding, undead powers enough to see her through another deadly adventure on the Taint Train of Terror?

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 attempts to deliver a blend of horror and humor but ultimately falls short. Despite this preview’s unique premise, it struggles with narrative cohesion and character development, leaving much to be desired.

The story in this preview follows Janey Belle, a former escort turned zombie, as she navigates a world filled with supernatural threats. While the concept of a zombie anti-heroine offers potential for creativity, the plot is often disjointed, with scenes that lack clear direction and purpose. This lack of cohesion makes it difficult for me personally to fully engage with the narrative or become invested in Janey’s journey.

The character development is notably lacking in this preview. Janey Belle, the protagonist, is introduced with minimal depth, making it challenging for me personally to connect with her or empathize with her struggles. Her motivations and backstory are not thoroughly explored, reducing her to a one-dimensional figure. The supporting cast fares no better, often serving as mere plot devices rather than contributing meaningfully to the story.

The writing in this preview, while attempting to capture a mix of horror and humor, often falls flat. The dialogue lacks the wit and sharpness needed to elevate the comedic elements, resulting in interactions that feel forced and uninspired. This diminishes the potential for dynamic exchanges and meaningful character development which have left me disconnected from the characters’ journeys

The artwork in this preview is the highlight of this preview. The illustrations are bold and stylized, capturing the chaotic and gritty essence of the zombie genre. The visual style is both dynamic and expressive, conveying the intensity and action of key scenes. While the artwork adds a layer of visual interest, it cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings.

The pacing of this preview is another significant issue I had with it. Because the scenes in this preview are either drag without adding value 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. A more balanced approach could improve the overall reading experience by allowing for deeper exploration of both plot and character.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of this preview holds potential for the full version of this comic book. With more focused storytelling and a stronger emphasis on character growth, full version of this comic book could better capture the excitement and depth 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

“Blind Prophet, Episode 1: A Prophet Is Born” By Joseph Cillo Jr.  & Gabriel Santiago Review

For all the superheroes who never were given a chance… Wondering what’s new in Comic Books? Check out Blind Prophet! Reviews have said things “…The concept is beautiful, the execution mind-bending.” and “It most certainly does not pull any punches…” and “In all honestly this book really shook me up…this book is scary because it could happen.” Pretty extraordinary commentary for a comic book, don’t you think? Blind Prophet is the story of a boy, Daniel Prophet, born blind and autistic, who undergoes an experimental procedure that gives him the ability to peer into the spiritual realm, where demons tempt, and angels defend. Blind Prophet is kind of a blend between the Dead Zone, The Sixth Sense, and the Screwtape Letters. Or, if you want to keep the comparisons to comic books, maybe Daredevil and Constantine. 

This comic book presents an ambitious concept but falls short in execution. At the same time this comic book introduces to us as readers a narrative filled with supernatural elements and moral exploration, yet struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging experience.

The story in this comic book centers on the protagonist, a blind prophet who receives divine visions, setting the stage for a tale that intertwines spirituality with real-world issues. 

The writing itself in this comic book attempts to tackle themes of faith, destiny, and morality. While the concept is intriguing, the narrative feels disjointed and lacks clarity. The pacing is uneven, with moments that drag without contributing significantly to character development or plot advancement.

The dialogues in this comic book often comes across as stilted and lacks the natural flow needed to engage readers. Characters frequently deliver exposition-heavy speeches, which can feel forced and detract from the story’s emotional impact. This approach leaves little room for subtlety or nuance, making the conversations feel more like lectures than natural interactions.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while competent, does little to elevate the narrative. The illustrations are serviceable but lack the dynamic quality needed to bring the story’s supernatural elements to life. Character designs are somewhat generic, and the lack of detail in certain panels can make it difficult for me personally to fully immerse themselves in the world. A more refined and expressive artistic style could have helped convey the emotional and thematic depth the story strives for.

One of the main challenges with this comic book I had is its structure. The narrative jumps between different scenes and ideas without a clear sense of progression or purpose. This disjointedness makes it difficult for readers to follow the plot or become invested in the characters’ journeys. A more focused and streamlined approach could have improved the flow and coherence of the story.

Despite its shortcomings this comic book has moments that hint at its potential. The concept of a blind prophet navigating a world filled with moral ambiguity is compelling, and with further development, the series could explore interesting philosophical questions and character arcs. However, this first installment struggles to fully realize that potential.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Set Sail To Fail: A Suburban Fairy Tales Collection” By Francis Bonnet Review

Set Sail to Fail, the ninth installment in the Suburban Fairy Tales series, promises a whirlwind of adventure, excitement, and a healthy dose of laugh-out-loud humor! Join Little Pig #3 on a chaotic family retreat where he encounters Sir Lambelot, a forgetful hippie sheep. From swapping places with a lookalike pig to embarking on a swashbuckling adventure on the open sea, and even entering a singing competition, the fun and excitement never stops!

This comic book attempts to bring humor and whimsy into the realm of modern fairy tales but unfortunately falls short. While the concept of this comic book holds promise, the execution struggles with narrative depth and engagement.

This comic book aims to offer a series of light-hearted takes on classic fairy tale themes, set against a suburban backdrop. However, the stories often lack the cohesiveness and charm needed to fully captivate picky readers as myself. The humor, intended to be a driving force, frequently feels forced and predictable, leaving the narrative feeling flat and uninspired.

The character development is notably lacking throughout this comic book. The characters, drawn from familiar fairy tale archetypes, are presented with minimal depth or originality. Their motivations and personalities are not thoroughly explored, resulting in figures that feel more like one-dimensional caricatures than engaging protagonists. This superficial treatment makes it challenging for me personally to connect with or care about their journeys.

The writing in this comic book, while aiming for a comedic tone, often misses the mark. The dialogue lacks the wit and cleverness needed to elevate the humor, leading to interactions that feel repetitive and uninspired. This diminishes the potential for dynamic exchanges and meaningful character development, which have left me disconnected from the stories’ outcomes.

The artwork in this comic book accompanying the stories is functional but does little to enhance the overall experience. While the illustrations capture the basic elements of the suburban fairy tale setting, they often lack the detail and creativity needed to bring the whimsical world to life. The visual style fails to add significant value to the narrative, further diminishing the impact of this comic book.

The pacing in this comic book is another significant issue I had with it. The stories in this comic book either drag without adding substance or rush through potentially interesting moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the progression of each tale. A more balanced approach could improve the overall reading experience by allowing for deeper exploration of both plot and character.

Despite this comic book’s shortcomings the concept of reimagining fairy tales in a suburban setting holds potential for other comic books in this series. With more focused storytelling and a stronger emphasis on character growth, subsequent collections could better capture the whimsy and humor inherent in the premise.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“KANYEN #2” By Everett Christopher Shea Review

In Kanyen Chapter 1, the story jumped into heart-pounding action, introducing Kanyen, an infamous rebel fleeing a merciless government pursuit. We quickly learned of his incredible powers, like summoning sledgehammers and energy balls, which he used to protect himself. Yet, by the end of the chapter, we were left with burning What caused the chase? And what will he do next? Before discovering the answers, Chapter 2 will take us back five years to Kanyen’s high school days. We’ll explore how his friendships, feuds, crushes, and conflicts helped spark his desire to save his people.

This comic book presents a visually ambitious endeavor but struggles with narrative depth and cohesion. While the artwork in this comic book offers glimpses of creativity, the storytelling and character development leave much to be desired.

The narrative in this comic book attempts to continue the story set up in first chapter of this comic book, following characters in a world filled with mystery and potential intrigue. However, the plot quickly becomes convoluted, lacking a clear direction, which makes it challenging for me personally to fully engage. The pacing is uneven, with scenes that either linger without purpose or rush through potentially significant moments, disrupting the overall flow and making it difficult to maintain interest.

The character development is notably lacking in this comic book. The protagonist, who should serve as the anchor of the story, is presented with minimal depth. Their motivations and background are not adequately explored, resulting in a character that feels more like a placeholder than a fully realized individual. The supporting cast fares no better, often serving as mere plot devices rather than contributing meaningfully to the narrative.

The writing in this comic book, while attempting to capture a sense of mystery and intrigue, often falls flat. The dialogues in this comic book lacks the sharpness and emotional resonance needed to elevate the story, resulting in interactions that feel superficial and uninspired. This diminishes the potential for dynamic exchanges and meaningful character development, which have left me disconnected from the characters’ journeys.

Despite this comic book’s narrative shortcomings, the artwork in this comic book is a notable feature. The illustrations display creativity and ambition, capturing the atmosphere of the story with expressive designs. The visual style is both dynamic and detailed, conveying the intensity of key scenes. This artistic talent is a major draw, offering a visual feast even if the narrative does not fully support it.

The thematic exploration in this comic book while present, is underdeveloped. The story hints at themes of identity, power, and conflict, but these are not thoroughly explored, which have left me wanting more depth and insight. A more focused approach to these themes could enrich the narrative and provide a more engaging and thought-provoking experience.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Obsidian veins vol.1: (colored Edition) (Obsidian veins)” By Ryu Kanzaki Review

In a realm inhabited by Humans and Elves, both confronted by the threat of demons, a sense of solidarity emerged amidst escalating peril. Compelled to join forces, they established the unified Golden Phoenix Kingdom. Within its borders, they fostered a specialized cadre of warriors known as Paladins, trained expressly for combatting demons. Through protracted conflicts, the Kingdom prevailed, relegating the once-omnipresent demons to mere shadows.

This come book presents a visually captivating experience but struggles with narrative depth and cohesion. While the artwork is a highlight in this comic book, the story and character development leave much to be desired.

The narrative in this comic book attempts to weave a tale of mystery and intrigue, centered around a protagonist entangled in a world filled with dark secrets and hidden agendas. However, the plot quickly becomes convoluted, lacking a clear direction that makes it challenging for me personally to engage fully with the story. The pacing is uneven, with scenes that either drag without purpose or rush through potentially significant moments, disrupting the overall flow.

The character development is notably lacking in this comic book. The protagonist, who should be the anchor of the story, is presented with minimal depth. Their motivations and backstory are not adequately explored, resulting in a character that feels more like an enigma than a fully realized individual. The supporting cast fares no better, often serving as mere plot devices rather than contributing meaningfully to the narrative.

The writing style in this comic book, while attempting to capture a sense of mystery and tension, often falls flat. The dialogues in this comic book lacksthe sharpness and emotional resonance needed to elevate the story, resulting in interactions that feel superficial and uninspired. This diminishes the potential for dynamic exchanges and meaningful character development.

Despite this comic book’s narrative shortcomings, the artwork in “Obsidian Veins” is a standout feature. The illustrations are beautifully detailed and richly colored, capturing the dark and moody atmosphere of the story. The visual style is both dynamic and expressive, conveying the intensity and emotion of key scenes. This artistic talent is a major draw, offering a visual feast even if the narrative falls short.

The thematic exploration in this comic book, while present, is underdeveloped. The story hints at themes of power, corruption, and identity, but these are not thoroughly explored, which have left me wanting more depth and insight. A more focused approach to these themes could enrich the narrative and provide a more engaging and thought-provoking experience.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Afflicted: Bonus Material” By Shane Riches & Jose Holder & Andrew Covalt Review

An action-horror graphic novel starring teenagers with super-powers who are the monsters we’re all afraid of. Seventeen-year-old Madison Thomas and her twin brother Lincoln just moved to Yuma, Arizona, following their mother’s death. Madison quickly falls for Kevin, the leader of the most feared clique in high school. After a crazy night of partying, she becomes afflicted with an amazing power. And you know what they say– With great power comes great irresponsibility. Brought to you by Shane Riches (writer) and Jose Holder (artist) the team behind Mick Foley’s R.P.M.!

This comic book attempts to expand upon its core narrative with additional content, but unfortunately, it falls short. While this comic book offers some intriguing insights into the world of “Afflicted,” the bonus material struggles to deliver a captivating or cohesive experience.

The intention behind this comic book is commendable, because it aims to provide readers with deeper context and a broader understanding of the series’ universe. The creators of this comic book offers supplemental narrative elements and background information meant to enrich the main storyline. However, the execution lacks depth and engagement, which has left me with a fragmented and somewhat disjointed experience.

One of the primary issues I had with this comic book is its lack of narrative cohesion. The additional content feels sporadic and disconnected, as if pieced together without a clear direction or purpose. This disjointedness makes it challenging for readers to remain invested or find meaningful connections to the core story. The snippets of information, while potentially interesting, are not sufficient to stand on their own or significantly enhance the original narrative.

The character exploration in this comic book is also limited. While there is an opportunity to delve deeper into the motivations and backstories of key figures, the material only scratches the surface. This lack of depth prevents readers from forming a stronger attachment to the characters or gaining new insights into their complexities. The creators of this comic book misses an opportunity to offer fresh perspectives or revelations that could have added valuable layers to the storyline.

The artwork in this comic book is consistent with the main series. The illustrations maintain a cohesive style, capturing the mood and tone of the “Afflicted” universe. However, the artwork in the bonus material does little to elevate the storytelling or compensate for the narrative shortcomings. While technically proficient, the visuals lack the dynamism needed to engage me personally fully.

The pacing of this comic book is another area of concern. The scattered and uneven presentation disrupts the flow, making it difficult for me personally to maintain interest. Instead of a seamless extension of the main story, the content feels more like an assortment of incomplete ideas that fail to coalesce into a compelling narrative.

Despite its shortcomings this comic book does have moments of potential. There are glimpses of intriguing world-building and thematic exploration that hint at what could have been a richer, more immersive experience. However, these moments are too few and far between to make a significant impact.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Shinobi: Ninja Princess: Introduction” By Martheus Wade & Janet Wade & Adam Shaw Review

Shianndrea Toshigawa is just your average, ordinary ninja-in-training. On the run from the Azumi ninja clan, Shianndrea trains with the legendary Toshigawa clan to embrace the mysterious power within her, all the while, navigating the life of a teenage girl. Ninja Princess is 192 pages of martial arts action and all ages fun. Collects Ninja Princess #1-6!

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 presents an intriguing premise with potential for adventure and character growth. While the concept of this preview is appealing, the storytelling and character development leave much to be desired.

The story in this preview follows Shianndrea Toshigawa, a young ninja learning the ways of her clan while facing various challenges. The idea of a teenage ninja grappling with her identity and responsibilities is compelling, yet the narrative lacks cohesion and depth. The plot feels disjointed, jumping between events without a clear narrative thread, which makes it difficult for me personally  to become fully invested.

The character development is another area where this preview struggles with. Shianndrea, as the protagonist, has the potential to be a relatable and inspiring character. However, her motivations and growth are not explored in enough depth to create a strong connection with the picky readers as myself. The supporting cast is similarly underdeveloped, serving primarily as plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out characters with their own arcs.

The writing style in this preview, while attempting to capture the excitement of a ninja adventure, often falls flat. Dialogue tends to be expository rather than engaging, which detracts from the opportunity for dynamic character interactions and emotional resonance. The narrative occasionally lacks the sharpness and wit needed to elevate the story.

The artwork in this preview is energetic, capturing the essence of a youthful ninja story. The character designs are appealing and the action sequences are lively, but the illustrations sometimes lack the detail necessary to convey the intensity and emotion of key scenes. While the art adds a layer of visual interest, it cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings.

The pacing of this preview is inconsistent, with some scenes dragging without adding value and others rushing through potentially important moments. This unevenness disrupts the flow and makes it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the progression of the story. A more balanced approach could improve the overall reading experience by allowing for deeper exploration of both plot and character.

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

“Lola XOXO Volume 1: Bonus Content” By Siya Oum Review

In the “Wasteland”, Lola, a young woman with a resolve fortified by a lifetime of survival on her own, must journey across the nuclear-decimated United States in order to find the family that was taken from her! As her quest for the truth begins, Lola uncovers the true inhumanity of the Apocalypse, as those who seek to hold power in a new frontier, will do so at all bloody costs-including her life!

This comic book offers a visually captivating glimpse into a post-apocalyptic world. While the artwork is a standout feature in this comic book, the additional content fails to fully engage or enrich the overarching story.

The bonus content in this comic book aims to provide deeper insights into the world of Lola XOXO, set in a dystopian future where society has crumbled. However, instead of enhancing the main storyline, these extras feel disjointed and lack the depth needed to add meaningful context. The snippets of backstory and world-building are intriguing but too brief to leave a lasting impact.

The character development in this comic book is minimal in this bonus content. While Lola herself is an interesting protagonist with potential for depth, the additional material doesn’t explore her motivations or background in a way that adds significant value. This lack of exploration had left me wanting more substance and connection with the characters.

The writing style in this comic book, while attempting to provide more layers to the world, often falls short in delivering the emotional depth and clarity needed to fully engage me personally. The narrative snippets feel more like sketches than fully realized stories, lacking the cohesion and structure necessary to draw readers in.

The artwork in this comic book, remains a highlight. The illustrations are beautifully detailed and richly colored, capturing the desolate beauty of the post-apocalyptic setting. The visual style is both dynamic and expressive, conveying the harsh realities of Lola’s world with a captivating aesthetic. This artistic talent is a major draw, offering a visual feast even if the narrative falls short.

The bonus content’s in this comic book pacing is uneven, with scenes that either drag without purpose or rush through potentially interesting moments. This inconsistency disrupts the overall flow and makes it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the world Oum has created. The lack of a clear narrative arc further exacerbates this problem, had left me without a satisfying sense of direction.

Despite this comic book’s shortcomings, the concept of Lola XOXO holds potential for further development. With more focused storytelling and deeper exploration of character motivations, future comic books in this series could better capture the excitement and depth inherent in the premise.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Broken Frontier: Anthology – Sketchbook” By Various Review

Take a look behind the scenes of the Broken Anthology creative process with this collection of sketches, thumbnails, layouts and full black and white interiors by the artists in the book.

This comic book is an ambitious collection that aims to showcase a variety of artistic talents and storytelling styles. Unfortunately, it falls short in execution. While this comic book boasts a wide range of contributors, the lack of cohesion and depth in the storytelling detracts from the overall experience.

The concept behind this comic book is intriguing because it is bringing together diverse voices to explore themes related to boundaries and frontiers, both literal and metaphorical. However, the sketchbook format of this comic book, which focuses on preliminary sketches and incomplete narratives, has often left me wanting more substance and clarity.

One of the key challenges with this comic book is its inconsistency. With multiple contributors, the quality of both art and storytelling varies significantly from piece to piece. Some entries shine with creativity and potential, offering glimpses of compelling worlds and characters. Others, however, feel underdeveloped, with fragmented plots and unclear artistic direction. This inconsistency makes it difficult for me personally to fully engage with the anthology as a whole.

The artwork in this comic book, while being very diverse, is another mixed bag. There are certainly standout pieces that capture attention with their unique styles. these pieces hint at the potential for rich visual storytelling. However, many sketches appear rough and unfinished, which, while expected in a sketchbook, which has hinder my ability to connect with the stories being told. The lack of polish in some entries detracts from the overall impact of the anthology.

Narratively, this comic book struggles to maintain a coherent thematic focus. The idea of exploring “broken frontiers” is broad and open to interpretation, which can be a strength in theory. In practice, however, the anthology lacks a unifying thread that ties the various stories together. This absence of cohesion leads to a disjointed reading experience, where the thematic exploration feels superficial rather than deeply considered.

Despite these shortcomings, this comic book does offer moments of creativity and inspiration. Some stories present intriguing concepts and characters that could be further developed into engaging narratives. These glimpses of potential suggest that, with more refinement and focus, the anthology could evolve into a more cohesive and impactful collection.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“At the End of the Day Vol. 1” By Nina Hatori & Betty Neels Review

One early morning in London, Julia rescues a cold, crying kitten. While doing so, she has a strange yet pleasant encounter with a man who was trying to do the same thing. When Julia reunites with him days later during an interview for a secretarial position, she’s rendered speechless. What are the odds that the man she met that day would be Professor van der Wagema, her prospective employer? Although he’s the same man, he treats Julia completely differently during the interview. He’s cruel and cold, to the point that Julia wonders if she only imagined him in the morning mist. During her weeklong wait for the interview results, she spends time at her parents’ home. Little does she know, she’ll reunite with him there, too!

This comic book offers a romantic narrative that, unfortunately, falls short of its potential. While the story in this comic book aims to capture the charm and emotional depth characteristic of romance novels, it struggles with pacing and character development, which has left me personally wanting more.

The narrative in this comic book follows a familiar romantic trope, focusing on the blossoming relationship between the protagonist and a seemingly unattainable partner. The creators of this comic book attempt to weave a tale of love and personal growth is evident, but the execution lacks the depth needed to fully engage me personally. The plot unfolds predictably, with few surprises or unique twists to distinguish it from other stories in the genre.

The character development is one of the areas where this comic book falters. The protagonist, while relatable in certain moments, often feels one-dimensional. Her motivations and internal struggles are not explored in enough depth to create a strong emotional connection with the reader. Similarly, the love interest comes across as an archetype rather than a fully fleshed-out character, making it difficult to invest in their relationship.

Betty Neels’ influence, known for her classic romance style, is apparent, yet the collaboration with Hatori does not fully capitalize on this potential. The dialogue, while occasionally charming, often lacks the wit and nuance needed to bring the characters to life. Interactions between characters feel stilted at times, missing opportunities to delve into meaningful exchanges that could add depth to the narrative.

The pacing of this comic book is another challenge this comic book has the face. The story moves at a slow pace, with long stretches that do little to advance the plot or deepen the characters. This can make the reading experience feel tedious, as key moments of development and tension are few and far between. A more dynamic pacing could enhance the narrative flow, making the story more engaging and impactful.

The artwork in this comic book complements the romantic tone but does little to elevate the storytelling. The illustrations are serviceable, capturing the basic expressions and settings, but they lack the detail and emotion that could enhance the narrative. More expressive and dynamic artwork might have helped convey the story’s emotional beats more effectively.

Despite its shortcomings this comic book does have moments of charm and warmth, particularly in scenes that focus on the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery. These glimpses suggest potential for growth and improvement in future volumes, should the narrative and characters be given more depth and nuance.

I Give This Book 2 / 5