Tag: 2 Star Reviews

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

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

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

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

A legendary werewolf detective who can find a culprit from a single hair (and maybe has a hair fetish), Inaba Hiroshi, begins his own detective agency alongside his cross-dressing secretary Yuuta, and his teenage assistant Kei. Together, they try to foil the schemes of Don Valentino, a goat and leader of an Italian mafia group.

This comic book presents a quirky premise with potential, but ultimately falls short in its execution. While the concept in this comic book is imaginative, this comic book struggles with pacing, character development, and overall coherence.

The story in this comic book follows Hiroshi Inaba, a part-human, part-wolf detective with the unique ability to gain information by examining and consuming hair. This unusual premise sets the stage for a comedic, offbeat detective series. However, the execution in this comic book leaves much to be desired.

One of the primary challenges I had with this comic book is the narrative’s pacing. The plot moves rapidly, introducing a slew of characters and scenarios without giving readers sufficient time to engage with or understand them. This hurried approach makes it difficult to follow the storyline and connect with the characters. Key plot points are glossed over, resulting in a disjointed narrative that lacks clarity and cohesion.

The character development is another area where this comic book falters. Hiroshi Inaba, despite his intriguing abilities, comes across as a one-dimensional protagonist. His motivations and backstory are not adequately explored, leaving readers with little insight into his character. The supporting cast, while colorful, suffers from similar issues. They are introduced quickly and often serve as mere comedic foils without substantial depth or development.

The artwork in this comic book, while stylistically appealing, does not fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The illustrations are lively and expressive, capturing the absurdity and humor inherent in the premise. However, the art sometimes feels chaotic, with crowded panels that mirror the disarray of the storyline. This visual clutter can make it difficult to discern important details and follow the action.

The humor in this comic book is another mixed aspect. While there are moments of genuine comedy, much of the humor relies on slapstick and absurdity, which may not appeal to all readers. The comedic timing occasionally feels forced, detracting from the potential for genuine laughs and character-driven wit.

Despite these issues, this comic book odes have moments that hint at its potential. The unique premise of a detective using hair analysis as a crime-solving tool is creative and offers a fresh take on the detective genre. There are glimpses of interesting world-building and character dynamics that could be further explored in future comic books in this series.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Vol. 5 is Virgin Love. Includes “The Sheikh’s Bargained Bride”, “The Brazilian’s Blackmail Bargain”, “The Mediterranean Billionaire’s Blackmail Bargain”, “The Ruthless Greek’s Virgin Princess”, The Tycoon’s Virgin”, and “Virgin Princess, Tycoon’s Temptation” free preview of 6 comics!

This comic book is a collection that attempts to capture the essence of romance through a series of short stories. While this comic book offers glimpses into different romantic scenarios, it struggles with depth and engagement, which had left me personally wanting more.

This comic book features a selection of stories adapted from popular Harlequin romance novels. Each story is crafted to deliver a whirlwind of emotions, focusing on themes of love, passion, and personal growth. However, the brevity of each story results in rushed narratives that lack the development needed to fully engage me personally. The transitions between different plot points often feel abrupt, making it difficult to connect with the characters or become invested in their journeys.

The character development is one of the weaker aspects of this comic book. While romance stories thrive on the complexity and chemistry between protagonists, the characters in this comic book often feel like archetypes rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. Their motivations and emotional arcs are not sufficiently explored, resulting in relationships that seem shallow and unconvincing. This lack of depth makes it challenging for me personally to empathize with the characters or feel the intended emotional impact.

The artwork in this comic book adds some visual appeal to the stories, capturing the romantic atmosphere with expressive character designs and elegant settings. The illustrations are clean and polished, reflecting the aesthetic typical of Harlequin adaptations. However, while the artwork complements the narrative, it cannot fully compensate for the lack of depth and engagement in the storytelling.

One of the primary issues I had with this comic book is its pacing. The stories move quickly through key plot points, leaving little room for character exploration or meaningful interactions. This rapid progression prevents the narrative from building meaningful tension or emotional impact, resulting in a reading experience that feels superficial and unsatisfying.

The dialogues in this comic book are functional but lacks the depth and nuance needed to convey the complexities of romance. Conversations often feel formulaic and expository, serving more as a means to advance the plot than to develop character dynamics or provide insight. More engaging dialogue could have added layers to the narrative, enriching the overall storytelling.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

The legendary future of the Valiant Universe – back in print after 20 years! 4001 A.D. – Tohru Nakadai is the 42nd Rai, the spirit guardian of Japan. Infused with the energy of his ancestors and dedicated to the way of the samurai, Rai is sworn to the service of Grandmother – the personified artificial intelligence that governs the island nation of Japan. For forty generations Grandmother’s benevolent dominion has endured, but in the wake of her sudden disappearance, Rai will become all that stands between his nation and all-out chaos.

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 explore the complexities of Rai, a character rich with potential, but ultimately falls short. While the premise of this preview offers an engaging blend of honor, duty, and futuristic action, the execution lacks depth and coherence.

This story in this preview centers around Rai, the guardian of a technologically advanced future Japan, tasked with maintaining peace and order. The narrative in this preview aims to delve into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by Rai, but the plot quickly becomes disjointed and difficult to follow. The storyline lacks a cohesive structure, with events jumping abruptly, which have left me confused and disconnected.

The character development is a significant weakness in this preview. Rai, who should be a complex and nuanced protagonist, is presented with minimal depth. His internal struggles and motivations are not thoroughly explored, reducing him to a one-dimensional figure. The supporting cast fares no better, often serving as mere plot devices rather than fully realized individuals. This superficial treatment makes it difficult for me personally to connect with or care about the characters’ journeys.

The writing style in this preview, while attempting to capture the essence of a futuristic samurai, often falls flat. The dialogues in this preview lacks the sharpness and emotional resonance needed to elevate the narrative. Conversations serve more as exposition rather than meaningful interactions, which detracts from the potential for dynamic character exchanges and development.

The artwork in this preview, while capturing the style of its era, does little to enhance the narrative experience. The illustrations often lack detail and vibrancy, failing to convey the excitement and intensity that the story demands. The visual style feels dated and does not engage the picky readers as myself, further diminishing the impact of the narrative.

The pacing of this preview is another significant issue I had with it. Since the scenes in this preview 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, that have left me without a satisfying sense of direction.

Despite this preview’s shortcomings the concept of Rai as a character holds potential for future development. With a more structured storyline and deeper exploration of character motivations, subsequent volumes 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

After ‘Little Miss Popular’ Ruby Kaye landed a pair of power-inducing super-tech glasses from her college’s resident brainiac, Ruby alienated the majority of her clique while klutzily trying to demonstrate her newfound abilities – accidentally knocking drinks over their expensive designer dresses. Her BFF Summer James was into what Ruby could do now, though – and pushed her into trying to be a super-hero – jokily giving her the moniker ‘Geek-Girl,’ following her actions. 

This comic book sets out to introduce us as readers to a new superheroine but falls short of its potential. Despite an intriguing premise which this comic book, it struggles with character development, narrative coherence, and pacing.

The story of this comic book follows Ruby Kaye, a college student who gains superpowers through a pair of technologically advanced glasses. While the concept of an unlikely hero navigating the complexities of newfound abilities is promising, the execution lacks depth and clarity. The plot meanders through various disconnected events, making it difficult for me personally to engage with Ruby’s journey or the challenges she faces.

The character development in this comic book is notably lacking. Ruby Kaye, the protagonist, is introduced with minimal depth, making it difficult for me to connect with her or empathize with her struggles. Her motivations and personality are not thoroughly explored, reducing her to a shallow character with little growth throughout the volume. The supporting cast also lacks complexity, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.

The writing style in this comic book, while attempting to capture the humor and quirks of a young superhero, often feels forced and lacks the wit needed to elevate the narrative. The dialogue is stilted and fails to capture the essence of the characters, resulting in interactions that feel superficial and unengaging. This detracts from the potential for dynamic exchanges and meaningful character development.

The artwork in this comic, though vibrant, does little to enhance the overall reading experience. The illustrations capture the energy of a superhero story but often lack the detail and consistency needed to convey the narrative’s emotional depth. The visual style, while visually appealing, does not fully compensate for the weak narrative foundation.

The pacing of this comic book is another significant issue I had with this comic book. Because this comic book 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 this comic book’s shortcomings the concept of a geeky underdog becoming a superhero holds potential for future development. With a more structured storyline and deeper exploration of character motivations, subsequent volumes could better capture the excitement and depth inherent in the premise.

I Give This Book 2 / 5