Tag: 2 Star Reviews

Janey is back, fresh from a dirt nap, and continuing her cross-country quest with a stop in the motor city. But when a bath in what appears to be an abandoned Detroit warehouse leaves rings in the tub, the meth chef resident cooks up a new drug! Soon chaos erupts in the streets as the new drug has users turning into tweaker zombies. Now Zombie Tramp must face a new monster of her own creation, plus Motor City’s own resident bad girl vigilante, Vampblade! In a final boneyard brawl, Zombie Tramp creates a flesh beast from cemetery inhabitants to do battle with the hulking meth monster and mystical blade-wielding vixen that have plagued her Mowtown visit.

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 mix of horror and humor but ultimately falls short of its potential. At the same time this preview continues the saga of Janey Belle, the titular Zombie Tramp, as she navigates a world filled with supernatural chaos and dark comedy.

The premise of this preview revolves around Janey’s latest misadventures and her struggle with her undead nature. While the concept of a zombie anti-heroine offers plenty of creative possibilities, this volume struggles to balance its comedic tone with the darker elements of the narrative. The result is a story that feels disjointed, neither fully committing to its horror roots nor successfully landing its comedic beats.

One of the primary issues with this preview is its character development. Janey Belle, while intended to be a complex and edgy protagonist, often comes across as one-dimensional. Her motivations and inner conflicts are not sufficiently explored, leaving her character arc feeling stagnant. The supporting characters fare no better, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals. This lack of depth makes it difficult for me personally to become invested in their journeys.

The plot in this preview, while containing moments of intrigue, is often overshadowed by gratuitous violence and over-the-top antics. While some readers may appreciate the shock value, it detracts from the narrative coherence and hinders the development of a compelling storyline. The pacing is uneven, with scenes of action and dialogue that feel repetitive and lacking in substance.

The artwork is a redeeming feature of this preview. The illustrations are vibrant and dynamic, capturing the chaotic energy of Janey’s world. The art style complements the outrageous tone of the series, with expressive character designs and detailed backgrounds. Despite the narrative shortcomings, the visuals provide a certain level of entertainment and engagement.

The dialogues in this preview tends to be simplistic and occasionally forced, lacking the wit and sharpness needed to elevate the comedic elements. The humor often relies on crude jokes and shock value, which may not resonate with all readers. More nuanced and clever writing could have added depth and sophistication to the comedic aspects of the story.

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

A mortal woman and the Goddess Parvati fight against sexual violence in India and around the world in this epic vivid augmented reality comic book involving the Hindu gods. Innovative and interactive storytelling. Received the Tribeca Film Institute New Media Fund from the Ford Foundation and Ms. Foundation.

This comic book is an ambitious project with noble intentions, but it falls short in execution. At the same time this comic book attempts to tackle significant social issues through the lens of mythology and modern storytelling, yet struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative and impactful engagement.

The story in this comic book centers around Priya, a survivor of sexual violence, who is empowered by the goddess Parvati to become a symbol of strength and change. This premise is powerful and relevant, aiming to address societal issues such as gender-based violence and empowerment. 

The narrative itself in this comic book intertwines contemporary social commentary with elements of Hindu mythology, creating a platform to discuss these critical topics.

However the storytelling in this comic book often feels disjointed. The transition between mythological elements and the modern-day setting lacks fluidity, which can make the narrative feel fragmented. This lack of cohesion hinders the story’s ability to maintain momentum and fully engage me personally. While the intention is to seamlessly blend these two worlds, the execution sometimes has left me personally confused about the timeline and the progression of events.

The character development is another area where this comic book struggles a lot. Priya, as the protagonist, is portrayed with a strong sense of purpose, but her personal journey and emotional arc are underdeveloped. The supporting characters, including the goddess Parvati, are not given enough depth to make their interactions with Priya impactful. This lack of depth had prevented me personally from forming a strong connection with the characters and their struggles.

The artwork in this comic book, while visually striking in its use of digital effects, occasionally overwhelms the narrative. The art style is vibrant and modern, attempting to reflect the fusion of traditional and contemporary themes. However, the heavy use of digital effects can sometimes detract from the storytelling, making it difficult for me personally to focus on the narrative.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book should be commended for its innovative use of augmented reality. This interactive element is designed to enhance my experience by providing additional content and context. While the technology is intriguing, its implementation feels more like a novelty than a fully integrated storytelling tool. Readers who are not tech-savvy may find this feature challenging to access or unnecessary for understanding the story.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

A new love comedy from Mayu Minase featuring Tokushima, nonhuman entities and, of course, love! The son and heir to an indigo dyeing shop, Riku, has dreamed of going to university outside his prefecture with his childhood best friend and girl he loves but is instead forced to marry a girl named Miyo because of some promise his family made in the past. However, just what is Miyo’s incredible secret?! Tokushima’s very own Mayu Minase sets the stage in her hometown for this youthful love fantasy.This series has been published in Japan since 2013 which Japanese title name is “Himesama Tanuki no Koizanyou”

This comic book introduces an intriguing premise but ultimately struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative. While the concept behind this comic book of blending folklore with modern life holds potential, the execution falls short in several areas.

The story in this comic book follows a protagonist who encounters tanukis, mythical creatures from Japanese folklore known for their shapeshifting abilities. While this setup promises whimsy and cultural depth, the narrative lacks clarity and focus. The plot feels disjointed, with abrupt scene transitions that make it difficult for me personally to fully engage with the characters or the unfolding events.

The character development in this comic book is pretty minimal, with both the protagonist and the tanukis appearing one-dimensional. Their motivations and personalities are not sufficiently explored, which has left me personally without a clear understanding of their dynamics or individual journeys. This lack of depth makes it challenging to connect with the characters on an emotional level, reducing the story’s potential impact.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while visually appealing, cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The illustrations capture the playful and mystical nature of the tanukis, with expressive designs and dynamic compositions. However, the art alone isn’t enough to elevate the story, as the absence of strong storytelling and character work undermines the overall impact.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with scenes that either drag without purpose or rush through potentially engaging moments. This inconsistency affects the narrative flow, preventing the story from building momentum or emotional resonance. Key plot points are introduced abruptly, which has left me personally without a clear understanding of the stakes or significance of the events unfolding.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of merging folklore with contemporary themes holds potential for future development. With more focused storytelling and robust character exploration, subsequent chapters could delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore and offer more satisfying narrative arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

When Celsius finds the wheelchair of her late husband Niles Caulder, she begins a journey to find the supposedly dead members of Doom Patrol and recruits Robotman and Tempest to aid her in her quest.

This comic book tries to relaunch the iconic team with a fresh start, but unfortunately, it struggles with execution. At the same time this comic book aims to capture the unique essence of the Doom Patrol, it falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative.

The story in this comic book introduces us as readers to the team of misfit heroes, each with their own peculiar abilities and personal struggles. The intention to revitalize the Doom Patrol is evident, but the narrative lacks depth and focus. The plot feels cluttered with multiple subplots that are introduced without sufficient context, making it difficult for me personally to connect with the characters or become invested in their journeys.

The character development in this comic book is pretty minimal, with the team members not receiving the attention needed to explore their unique backgrounds and personalities. While the Doom Patrol is known for its eclectic and diverse cast, this comic book fails to delve into the complexities that make each character intriguing. As a result, the heroes come across as one-dimensional, and their interactions lack the depth and nuance needed to engage me personally.

The dialogues throughout this comic book often feels forced and lacks the natural flow that could bring the characters to life. Conversations are frequently expository, serving more to advance the plot than to reveal the characters’ personalities or relationships. This lack of engaging dialogue contributes to the overall flatness of the narrative, preventing it from resonating emotionally.

Thee artwork itself in this comic book, while competent, cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The illustrations capture the distinctiveness of the Doom Patrol with detailed character designs and dynamic compositions. However, the art sometimes lacks the energy and innovation needed to elevate the story, making it feel more conventional than groundbreaking.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with scenes that either drag without purpose or rush through potentially engaging moments. This inconsistency affects the overall flow, preventing the story from building momentum or emotional resonance. Key plot points are introduced abruptly, which has left me personally without a clear understanding of the stakes or significance of the events unfolding.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does offer glimpses of potential. The concept of exploring the lives of a team of unconventional heroes holds promise for creativity and depth in future comic books in this series. 

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Superstar SKOTTIE YOUNG (Rocket Raccoon, Wizard of Oz) makes his Image debut with an ALL-NEW SERIES! The Adventure Time/Alice in Wonderland-style epic that smashes its cute little face against Tank Girl/Deadpool-esque violent madness has arrived. In an adventure that ain’t for the little kiddies, (unless you have super cool parents, then whatever), you’ll meet Gert—a six year old girl who has been stuck in the magical world of Fairyland for thirty years and will hack and slash her way through anything to find her way back home. Join Gert and her giant battle-axe on a delightfully blood soaked journey to see who will survive the girl who HATES FAIRYLAND.

This comic book presents an intriguing twist on the fantasy genre, but ultimately it struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative. While the concept behind this comic book of a dark, comedic take on fairy tales is promising, the execution leaves much to be desired.

The story in this comic book follows Gertrude, a young girl trapped in the whimsical world of Fairyland for nearly three decades. Her mission to find a way home has turned into a violent, sarcastic escapade. The creators of this comic book creates a narrative filled with dark humor and subverted fairy tale tropes, aiming to entertain those who enjoy irreverent takes on classic themes. However, the reliance on shock value and over-the-top violence can overshadow the story’s potential depth.

The character development in this comic book is one of the weak points of this comic book. Gertrude, though initially intriguing as a protagonist with her jaded perspective and cynical humor, lacks depth and relatability. Her motivations are clear, but the constant barrage of jokes and violent outbursts makes it hard to connect with her on a deeper emotional level. The supporting characters, while colorful and eccentric, serve more as comedic props than fully fleshed-out individuals.

The writing in this comic book relies heavily on humor, but it often feels forced and repetitive. The dialogue is packed with jokes and quips, but the relentless pace can become exhausting rather than engaging. This focus on humor at the expense of narrative development detracts from the overall storytelling, which has left me personally without a strong connection to the plot.

The artwork itself in this comic book is the highlight of this comic book, because it is capturing the chaotic and colorful world of Fairyland with vivid detail and energy. The illustrations we get on this comic book bring the fantastical setting to life, with exaggerated character designs and dynamic compositions that complement the story’s tone. However, the art’s vibrant and whimsical nature sometimes contrasts sharply with the dark humor, creating a dissonance that can be distracting.

The pacing of this comic book is inconsistent, with scenes that either drag on with repetitive humor or rush through potentially interesting plot developments. This affects the overall flow, preventing the story from building meaningful momentum or emotional resonance. Key moments come and go without leaving a lasting impact, making it difficult for me personally to become invested in Gertrude’s journey.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of a twisted take on fairy tales holds potential for future development. With more focus on character growth and narrative depth, subsequent comic books in this series could delve deeper into the themes and offer more satisfying story arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Generation after generation, it’s the same old There’s no hope for the future, because young people think only of themselves. They have no respect for authority. They think they know everything. They are arrogant. They are reckless. They want to tear the world apart. In a time full of possibilities, yet rife with disappointment, the youth are changing. They look the same, but they act different, think different, and have abilities we can only dream of. They’re not like us.

This comic book introduces a narrative filled with potential but ultimately struggles to deliver. At the same time this comic book tries to explore themes of alienation and identity through a group of young people with extraordinary abilities, but it falls short in execution.

The story in this comic book begins with a young woman on the brink of despair, driven by voices in her head. Rescued by a mysterious group with similar powers, she is introduced to a new way of life. The creators of this comic book sets up a premise that promises intrigue and psychological depth, yet the narrative feels disjointed and lacks a strong hook to fully engage me personally.

The character development in this comic book is the key weakness in this comic book. The protagonist, while central to the plot, lacks depth and relatability. Her internal struggles are hinted at but not fully explored, which has left me personally without a strong emotional connection. Similarly, the supporting characters are introduced without sufficient background or motivation, making them feel more like archetypes than fully realized individuals.

The dialogues throughout this comic book often feels stilted and unnatural. Conversations between characters seem forced, lacking the nuance needed to convey genuine relationships or tension. This detracts from the overall immersion and makes it difficult for me personally to become invested in the characters’ journeys.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while distinctive, doesn’t fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The illustrations we get in this comic book illustrations capture the urban setting with a gritty realism that suits the story’s themes, but the character designs can sometimes appear inconsistent or lacking in expression. This inconsistency in the art style further detracts from the storytelling.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with scenes that either linger without purpose or rush through potentially engaging moments. This inconsistency affects the narrative flow, preventing the story from building momentum or emotional resonance. Key plot points are introduced abruptly, which has left me personally without a clear understanding of the stakes or significance of the events unfolding.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of exploring the lives of young people with extraordinary abilities in a realistic setting holds potential for future development. With more focused storytelling and robust character exploration, subsequent comic books in this series could delve deeper into these themes and offer more satisfying narrative arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Sun, sand, swimsuits and cool rockin’ tunes – no, it’s not a cinematic ‘beach party’ blast from the past, but a whole new summer splash from Archie and his friends! In this fun-filled free issue, Cheryl and her snooty friends from Pembrooke form an all-girl group to compete head on with the Archies at a summer beach music festival. Will Cheryl’s group be a tuneful treat, or mistaken for bellowing whales?

This comic book offers a nostalgic return to Riverdale, but ultimately falls short. At the same time this comic book aims to capture the lighthearted charm of classic Archie comics, but this cmic book struggles with depth and engagement.

The story in this comic book takes Archie and his friends on a summer adventure filled with beach fun and typical teenage antics. The creators of this comic book creates a narrative that is breezy and easygoing, staying true to the spirit of Archie’s world. However, the plot lacks substance and originality, relying heavily on well-worn tropes without adding fresh twists or meaningful developments.

The character interactions in this comic book are familiar, featuring the usual dynamics between Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and the rest of the gang. While the camaraderie and humor are present, the characters feel stagnant, without significant growth or change. This static portrayal reduces the potential for emotional engagement, which has left me personally wanting more depth and evolution in their relationships.

The writing in this comic book captures the lighthearted banter typical of Archie comics, but the dialogue often feels superficial and predictable. The humor, while present, lacks the sharpness needed to elevate the story beyond a simple, nostalgic read. This limits the comic’s appeal to newer audiences who might be looking for more contemporary storytelling.

The artwork itself in this comic book maintains the classic Archie style, with clean lines and bright, cheerful illustrations. The visuals effectively convey the fun and carefree atmosphere of summer in Riverdale, capturing the essence of the iconic characters. However, the artwork alone isn’t enough to compensate for the narrative’s lack of depth and innovation.

The pacing of this cmic book is consistent, but the story unfolds without significant tension or conflict. This results in a narrative that feels flat, lacking the engaging twists or emotional highs that could make it memorable. Key moments pass without impact, which has left me personally without a strong connection to the unfolding events.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does provide a slice of nostalgic enjoyment for longtime fans of Archie comics. The familiar setting and character dynamics offer comfort and familiarity, which may appeal to those seeking a simple, feel-good read.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

ICE CREAM MAN is a genre-defying comic book series featuring disparate “one-shot” tales of sorrow, wonder, and redemption. Each installment features its own cast of strange characters, dealing with their own special sundae of suffering. And on the periphery of all of them, like the twinkly music of his colorful truck, is the Ice Cream Man—a weaver of stories, a purveyor of sweet treats. Friend. Foe. God. Demon. The man who, with a snap of his fingers—lickety split!—can change the course of your life forever.

This comic book presents a unique approach to horror and anthology storytelling but ultimately falls short. While the concept behind this comic book holds potential, the execution struggles with cohesion and depth, which has left me personally with a less than satisfying experience.

This comic book introduces us as readers to a seemingly idyllic town with a sinister undercurrent, as the mysterious Ice Cream Man weaves through various lives, bringing chaos and dread. The creators of this comic book creates a narrative that aims to blend unsettling horror with introspective character moments, but the connection between the stories feels weak and disjointed. This lack of cohesion makes it difficult for me personally to fully engage with the overarching theme or find a central narrative thread to follow.

The character development in this comic book is very minimal, with the anthology format providing only brief glimpses into the lives of the individuals affected by the Ice Cream Man. This approach limits the emotional impact, as I personally weren’t given enough time to connect with or care about the characters’ fates. The intriguing premise of a central figure linking these tales of terror is undercut by a lack of exploration into the Ice Cream Man’s motives or backstory.

The artwork itself in this comic book is one of this comic book’s strengths, capturing the eerie and surreal aspects of the story with detailed and expressive illustrations. The art style we get in this comic book effectively conveys the contrast between the mundane and the macabre, adding visual intrigue to the narrative. However, while the visuals enhance the atmosphere, they cannot fully compensate for the narrative’s lack of depth and cohesion.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with scenes that either drag without building tension or rush through potentially engaging moments. This inconsistency affects the overall flow, preventing the narrative from developing momentum or emotional resonance. Key plot points are introduced abruptly, which has left me personally without a clear understanding of the stakes or significance of the events unfolding.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of exploring horror through an anthology format holds potential for future development. With more focused storytelling and deeper character exploration, subsequent comic books could better capitalize on the intriguing premise and deliver more satisfying narrative arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Toru, who just became a high school student, ends up going to school and living with Sugako, who is his aunt and is also same age as him. The super-beauty Sugako stirs up all kinds of trouble. What will Toru do…?!

This comic book introduces a story filled with potential for humor and drama but ultimately falls short. While the premise of this comic book suggests engaging family dynamics and comedic elements, the execution struggles with depth and cohesion, resulting in a lackluster experience.

The narrative in this comic book centers around the protagonist’s relationship with their charismatic and unconventional aunt. Although the setup offers opportunities for exploring family interactions and personal growth, the storyline lacks clarity and focus. The plot jumps between scenes without smooth transitions, making it difficult for me personally to fully engage with the characters or the unfolding events.

The character development in this comic book is very minimal, with both the protagonist and the aunt appearing one-dimensional. Their motivations and personalities are not sufficiently explored, which has left me personally without a clear understanding of their dynamics or individual journeys. This lack of depth makes it challenging to connect with the characters on an emotional level, reducing the story’s potential impact.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while visually appealing, cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The illustrations capture the energetic and lively nature of the characters, with expressive designs and dynamic compositions. However, the art alone isn’t enough to elevate the story, as the absence of strong storytelling and character work undermines the overall impact.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with scenes that either drag without purpose or rush through potentially engaging moments. This inconsistency affects the overall flow, preventing the narrative from building momentum or emotional resonance. Key plot points are introduced abruptly, which has left me personally without a clear understanding of the stakes or significance of the events unfolding.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of exploring family relationships with a comedic twist holds potential for future development. With more focused storytelling and robust character exploration, subsequent chapters could delve deeper into the intricacies of the familial bond and offer more satisfying narrative arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5