Tag: 2 Star Reviews

A fantastic ninja comedy!! Beni doesn’t care whether she lives or dies until one day a hero appears before her very eyes. And this hero, who swears his undying loyalty to her turns out to be none other than…a ninja from the past?!

This comic book introduces an intriguing premise of time travel and romance but ultimately falls short in execution. At the same time this comic book hints at potential with its unique blend of historical and modern elements but struggles with character development and narrative cohesion.

The story in this comic book revolves around a time-traveling ninja, Kagetora, who ends up in the modern world and meets Beni, a spirited young girl. While the concept promises action and romance, the narrative in this sampler feels disjointed, with rapid shifts that make it difficult to follow. Key plot points are introduced without sufficient context, which has left me personally confused rather than intrigued.

The character development in this comic book is very minimal. Kagetora, though positioned as a noble and skilled warrior, lacks depth and relatability. His motivations and backstory are not adequately explored, making it hard for me personally to invest in his journey. Similarly, Beni’s character is underdeveloped, with her personality and history only superficially touched upon.

The interactions between Kagetora and Beni, which should be the heart of the story, lack emotional resonance. Their relationship is not given enough space to evolve naturally, resulting in a dynamic that feels forced rather than genuine. This lack of chemistry undermines the romantic aspect of the story, which is crucial to its appeal.

The artwork itself in this comic book is a redeeming feature of this comic book, because it is capturing the characters and settings with a clean and expressive style. The illustrations convey the contrast between historical and modern settings effectively, adding visual interest to the narrative. However, while the art is appealing, it cannot fully compensate for the lack of depth in 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 overall flow, preventing the narrative from building tension or momentum. Key transitions are abrupt, making it challenging for me personally to stay engaged with the story.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does offer glimpses of potential. The concept of a time-traveling ninja in a modern setting is intriguing and holds promise for creativity. With more focused storytelling and robust character exploration, the series could capitalize on its unique premise and deliver a more satisfying narrative.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Hisui, who works as a drag-king artiste in the Kinkei travelling Troupe, is very popular with women. She catches the eye of the Emperor, and gets invited to the Harem. She joins the Harem because the Emperor reminds her of her missing older brother, but the jobs she is given are…? Popular since it was published in “Monthly Princess”, Volume 1 of a Chinese fantasy!

This comic book starts with an intriguing premise but ultimately falls short. At the same time this comic book tries to blend elements of romance, fantasy, and harem dynamics, but struggles with execution and depth.

The story in this comic book introduces us as readers to a protagonist who finds themselves in the Seven-Starred Country, a fantastical setting ripe for adventure and intrigue. However, the narrative quickly leans into familiar harem tropes without adding fresh twists or depth. The plot feels predictable, and the pacing is uneven, with scenes that either linger too long or rush through potentially interesting developments.

The character development in this comic book is pretty lacking, with the protagonist and their potential love interests coming across as one-dimensional. The protagonist’s motivations and personality are not clearly defined, making it challenging for me personally to connect with their journey. Similarly, the supporting characters, meant to intrigue and charm, are not given enough depth or individuality to stand out.

The artwork itself in this comic book is visually appealing, capturing the fantastical elements of the Seven-Starred Country with a clean and expressive style. The character designs are attractive and fit well within the genre’s expectations, but the visuals alone cannot compensate for the narrative’s shortcomings. While the art enhances the aesthetic appeal, it does little to elevate the story itself.

The dialogues in this comic book often feels stilted and lacks the wit or charm needed to engage me personally. Conversations between characters serve more as exposition rather than revealing deeper layers of personality or building meaningful relationships. This lack of engaging dialogue contributes to the overall flatness of the narrative, preventing it from resonating emotionally.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its potential to explore themes of belonging and identity within a fantastical setting. However, this potential remains largely untapped in this comic book, with the story instead relying on surface-level interactions and predictable scenarios.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book’s setting offers a glimpse of potential for future development. With more focused storytelling and robust character exploration, subsequent chapters could delve deeper into the rich tapestry of the Seven-Starred Country and offer more satisfying narrative arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Miu is an unfortunate occult fanatic, who guzzled down a whole bottle of “Cherry Soup”, the super strong cell revitalization liquid without thinking. Thanks to that, now she’s a zombie. This all happened when Miu’s just gotten close to her crush, Tohno. However, Tohno can’t stomach zombies! Who knows what will happen…?!

This comic book presents a quirky blend of romance and supernatural elements, but unfortunately, it doesn’t quite hit the mark. While the premise behind this comic book is intriguing, the execution struggles with pacing and character development, leaving the reader with an unsatisfying experience.

The store in this comic book revolves around Miu, a high school girl who accidentally ingests a mysterious “zombie cherry” created by her friend, a budding scientist. This mishap brings her back to life every time she dies, setting up a comedic yet macabre premise. The creators of this comic book tries to balance humor with romance and the supernatural, but the narrative often feels disjointed.

Miu, as the protagonist, lacks depth and relatability. Her reactions to the bizarre events unfolding around her are superficial, making it difficult for me personally to connect with her journey. While her predicament is unique, her character is not given enough dimension to make her struggles engaging or emotionally resonant.

The side characters in this comic book, including Miu’s friend and love interest, are similarly underdeveloped. Their roles in the story feel more like plot devices than integral parts of Miu’s world. This lack of character exploration leaves the narrative feeling shallow, as the interactions and relationships fail to carry significant weight.

The artwork itself in this comic book is one of this comic book’s redeeming qualities. The illustrations are clean and expressive, effectively capturing the comedic and fantastical elements of the story. The art style we get in this comic book lends itself well to the whimsical tone, with character designs that are visually appealing and dynamic.

However, even strong visuals can’t fully compensate for the lack of narrative depth. The pacing is uneven, with scenes that linger without purpose or transition abruptly, disrupting the flow of the story. This inconsistency makes it challenging to maintain engagement, as the plot lacks a clear, compelling direction.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does have moments of potential. The concept of a “zombie cherry” offers a unique twist on the typical romantic comedy, and with more focused storytelling and character development, future comic books could capitalize on this originality. Unfortunately, as it stands, the execution falls short of delivering a fully realized narrative.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

KELLY SUE DECONNICK (Avengers Assemble, Captain Marvel) & EMMA RÍOS (Dr. Strange, Osborn) reunite to bring you an all-new ongoing series that marries the magical realism of Sandman with the western brutality of Preacher. Death’s daughter rides the wind on a horse made of smoke and her face bears the skull marks of her father. Her tale of retribution is as beautifully lush as it is unflinchingly savage.

This comic book presents an ambitious blend of Western and mythological elements, but unfortunately falls short in its execution. While the concept behind this comic book is intriguing, this comic book struggles with clarity and cohesion, making it difficult for readers to fully engage with the narrative.

The story in this comic book introduces a mysterious tale of vengeance and death, woven through a narrative that aims to be both epic and poetic. This comic book ambition is evident as she attempts to craft a layered narrative, but the result is often confusing. The plot unfolds in a nonlinear fashion with frequent shifts in perspective, which has left me personally disoriented and struggling to grasp the core of the story.

The character development is another area where this comic book falters in my opinion. While the characters are intriguing in concept, they lack sufficient depth and relatability. The lack of clear motivations and backstory makes it challenging to connect with them on an emotional level. The narrative hints at complex histories and relationships, but fails to provide enough detail to make these elements compelling.

The artwork itself in this comic book is one of this comic book’s strengths, showcasing a unique and expressive style that captures the surreal and ethereal qualities of the story. The illustrations that we get in this comic book are detailed and dynamic, effectively conveying the atmospheric tone of the narrative. However, the artwork can also contribute to the confusion, as the intricate designs sometimes make it difficult to discern action and follow the plot.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with scenes that either linger without purpose or transition too quickly to absorb. This inconsistency affects the overall flow, preventing the narrative from building tension or momentum. The lack of a clear narrative direction further complicates the reading experience, which has left me personally feeling disconnected from the story.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does offer glimpses of potential. The combination of Western and mythological themes is intriguing, and with more focus on narrative clarity and character development, future comic books could potentially deliver on the promise of its concept.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

The celebration of the 50-year anniversary of Star The Animated Series continues as the mad scientist Fontana plops Kirk, Spock, and company in a strangely familiar American high school in the middle of a strangely familiar love triangle between Artie, Bessie, and Verona. The crew must now tangle with a mad scientist and teen emotions…while searching both river and dale to find a way back to their own universe!

This comic book is an ambitious entry that ultimately struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative. While this comic book attempts to capture the charm of the original animated series, it falls short in several key areas.

The story in this comic book aims to blend the whimsical elements of the animated Star Trek universe with a new, intriguing plot. However, the narrative feels disjointed, with pacing that shifts awkwardly between scenes. The transitions are abrupt, making it difficult for me personally to follow the story’s progression or become fully immersed in the plot.

The character development is another area where this comic book falters in my opinion. Despite featuring beloved characters from the Star Trek universe, it fails to delve deeply into their personalities or motivations. The interactions between characters lack depth and often feel superficial, which diminishes the emotional impact of the story.

The writing itself in this comic book tries to inject humor and nostalgia, but the execution is inconsistent. Some of the humor feels forced, relying on familiar tropes rather than offering new insights or clever twists. While there are moments that capture the spirit of the original animated series, they are overshadowed by a lack of narrative cohesion.

The artwork itself in this comic book is visually appealing, effectively capturing the aesthetic of the animated series. The illustrations are lively, bringing a sense of vibrancy to the comic. However, even the strong visuals cannot fully compensate for the weak storytelling. The art serves as a reminder of the potential charm that the comic could have achieved with a more polished narrative.

The pacing in this comic book is pretty uneven, with scenes that either drag on without sufficient tension or resolve too quickly to create meaningful engagement. This inconsistency impacts the overall flow, which has left me personally feeling disconnected from the story. The lack of clear narrative direction further complicates the reading experience.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does offer glimpses of potential. The concept of revisiting the animated Star Trek universe is intriguing and holds promise for nostalgic fans. However, the execution needs refinement to fully capture the essence of what made the original series beloved.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

All-ages action, fantasy, and humor! All-new stories that make great entry points to new worlds! Gene Luen Yang and Carla Speed McNeil deliver an Avatar: The Last Airbender adventure! Dr. Zomboss and Crazy Dave clash in a new Plants vs. Zombies battle! And the crafty Bandette stars in a tale of her own!

This comic book presents a mixed bag of storytelling. At the same time this comic book tries to showcase a variety of styles and narratives, but ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging experience.

This comic book is divided into different segments, each with its own unique narrative and art style. While this approach offers diversity, it also leads to inconsistency in storytelling quality and engagement. The transitions between stories are abrupt, making it difficult for me personally to immerse myself fully in any single narrative.

Gene Luen Yang’s contribution, while promising, lacks depth and fails to capture the emotional resonance often found in his work. The characters are not fully fleshed out, and the plot feels rushed, leaving little room for meaningful development or connection. Yang’s usual talent for blending cultural themes with personal stories is not as evident here, resulting in a narrative that feels incomplete.

Carla Speed McNeil’s segment offers a distinct artistic style that is visually intriguing, but the story itself is somewhat disjointed. The pacing is uneven, with scenes that feel either too hurried or unnecessarily drawn out. While the artwork is detailed and expressive, it does not compensate for the lack of narrative clarity and cohesion.

Paul Tobin’s contribution attempts to inject humor and whimsy into the issue, but the execution is hit-or-miss. The humor often feels forced, relying on clichés rather than innovative or clever storytelling. The characters lack depth, serving more as vehicles for punchlines than as individuals with compelling arcs.

The artwork throughout this comic book varies significantly due to the different creative teams involved. While each artist brings a unique flair, the overall visual experience is jarring because of the lack of a unifying aesthetic. This inconsistency detracts from the potential enjoyment of the individual stories, making this comic book feel fragmented.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does provide a platform for showcasing a range of artistic styles and narrative voices. However, the lack of cohesion and depth in the storytelling prevents it from being a memorable or impactful read. This comic book serves as a reminder that even diverse collections require careful curation and a strong narrative thread to truly resonate with me personally.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

FREE FIRST ISSUE! Following the exploits of two sexy paranormal investigators as they tackle the hidden menaces and monsters that plague a world that doesn’t even believe in their existence.

This comic book presents itself as a supernatural thriller, but unfortunately, it struggles to deliver a compelling experience.

This comic book introduces us as readers to a world where paranormal investigations take center stage. The protagonists, Lisa Shannon and Shawna Diaz, are tasked with uncovering supernatural mysteries. While the concept is intriguing and has the potential for engaging storytelling, the execution falls short in several key areas.

One of the primary issues I had with this comic book is its narrative structure. The plot feels disjointed, with scenes that often lack smooth transitions. This fragmented storytelling makes it difficult for me personally to become fully immersed in the narrative. The pacing is uneven, with some sections dragging on without significant plot advancement, while others rush through potentially interesting developments.

The character development is another area where this comic book falters. Lisa and Shawna, despite being central to the story, are not given enough depth to make them truly relatable or memorable. Their personalities are hinted at, but not explored which have left me with a superficial understanding of who they are. This lack of character depth makes it challenging to invest emotionally in their journey.

The artwork in this comic book, while technically proficient, does not always align with the tone of the story. The illustrations are often more focused on style than substance, with an emphasis on visual appeal that sometimes detracts from the storytelling. While some panels are visually striking, they do not consistently enhance the narrative or convey the intended atmosphere of suspense and intrigue.

The dialogue throughout this comic book tends to be stilted and unnatural. Conversations between characters often feel forced, serving more as a means to deliver exposition than to develop genuine interactions. This lack of authentic dialogue further hampers for my ability to connect with the characters and the story.

Another shortcoming is this comic book’s reliance on clichés and familiar tropes. The supernatural genre offers a wealth of opportunities for creativity and innovation, yet “Exposure #1” leans heavily on predictable elements. This predictability diminishes the impact of the story’s twists and turns, making it less engaging for me personally seeking a fresh take on supernatural themes.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Introduction for Bloodshot Reborn Vol. 1! New York Times best-selling writer Jeff Lemire (THE VALIANT, Descender) and red-hot rising star Mico Suayan (HARBINGER, Moon Knight) deliver an all-new ongoing series for Valiant’s most unrelenting hero! Bloodshot’s nanites made him a nearly unstoppable killing machine. His enhanced strength, speed, endurance, and healing made him the perfect weapon, and he served his masters at Project Rising Spirit – a private contractor trafficking in violence – very well. Now, Bloodshot is a shadow of his former self. He lives in self-imposed exile, reeling from the consequences of his past life and the recent events that nearly drove him mad. But when a rash of shootings by gunmen who appear to look just like Bloodshot begin, his guilt will send him on a mission to stop the killers, even if it means diving head-long into the violence that nearly destroyed him. Start reading here as visionary creators Jeff Lemire and Mico Suayan kick-off a brand-new beginning for the cutting-edge commando called Bloodshot…and plunge him to his darkest, bloodiest, most mind-bending depths yet! Collecting BLOODSHOT REBORN #1-5.

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 itself as a fresh chapter in the Bloodshot saga, but unfortunately, it delivers a lackluster experience.

The premise of this preview is intriguing: Bloodshot, a super-soldier with nanites in his bloodstream, is grappling with his identity and purpose. Set in Colorado, this preview explores his attempt to live a normal life while haunted by his violent past. Despite this promising setup, the execution falls short in several areas.

One of the primary issues I had with this preview is its pacing. The narrative takes too long to gain momentum, with the first half bogged down by excessive exposition and minimal action. While character introspection is important, the balance here leans too heavily towards introspection at the expense of plot development.

The character development is another area where this preview struggles. Bloodshot’s internal conflict is central to the story, yet it feels repetitive and lacks depth. His struggles are depicted in a way that feels surface-level, and the supporting characters, who could add richness to the narrative, are underutilized. They serve more as plot devices than fully fleshed-out individuals, which diminishes their impact on the story.

The artwork is a mixed bag in this preview. Because some panels capture the gritty, noir-like atmosphere intended for the series, enhancing the narrative’s somber tone. However, inconsistency in the art style detracts from the overall experience. Certain scenes are beautifully rendered, while others appear rushed and lack detail. This inconsistency can pull myself and other picky readers as myself out of the story, breaking immersion at crucial moments.

The dialogues in this preview often feels stilted and unnatural. Conversations between characters lack the dynamic and engaging quality that could have brought more life to the interactions. Instead, they often feel like vehicles for exposition rather than genuine exchanges, which hampers the emotional connection readers might form with the characters.

Despite these flaws, there are glimpses of potential throughout this preview. Certain plot points hint at intriguing developments, and the exploration of themes like identity and redemption could have added depth if handled with more nuance. Additionally, the setting of Colorado provides a unique backdrop, offering opportunities for atmospheric storytelling that are unfortunately underexplored.

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

Celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Star The Animated Series with this new adventure written by critically acclaimed writer and director Casper Kelly (Too Many Cooks and Cheddar Goblin) and drawn by Eisner Award–winning cartoonist Jonathan Case (Little Monarchs and Dear Creature), featuring the classic crew in the art style of the original cartoon. Kirk, Spock, Arex, and company tangle with a rogue scientist intent on proving his wild theory that the universe is actually a comic book. What if he’s right? And what if he develops the godlike powers of the comic book artist? And what if that power has driven him mad? Will our heroes find a way to defeat him and restore the universe?

This comic book aims to honor the legacy of the classic animated series but unfortunately misses the mark. While the premise of this comic book holds nostalgic potential, the execution lacks the depth and engagement expected by me personally.

The story in this comic book tries to capture the essence of the original animated series, bringing back familiar characters and settings. The creators of this comic book creates a narrative that seeks to blend humor with adventure, exploring a plot that involves crossing a mysterious barrier. However, the writing feels disjointed, struggling to balance the whimsical elements with the gravitas that Star Trek fans have come to love.

The characters in this comic book, although iconic, are not given the development or complexity they deserve. While familiar faces like Captain Kirk and Spock make appearances, their portrayal lacks the depth and nuance that typically endear them to audiences. The interactions between characters feel superficial, missing the camaraderie and tension that make Star Trek’s ensemble cast so compelling.

The side characters in this comic book add some variety to the story, but like the main cast, they are not given enough development or significance to enhance the plot. Their interactions with the primary characters provide little in terms of growth or conflict, leaving the narrative feeling one-dimensional.

The artwork itself in this comic book is a highlight of this comic book, because it is capturing the retro aesthetic of the animated series with expressive designs. The illustrations that we get in this comic book evoke a sense of nostalgia, effectively paying homage to the original show’s style. However, despite the strong visuals, the art alone cannot carry the narrative, which often feels lacking in substance.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with scenes transitioning abruptly and a storyline that seems to meander without clear direction. The creators of this comic book tries to infuse humor and lightheartedness into the narrative, but these elements often fall flat, failing to resonate with the audience. The lack of a cohesive plot makes it difficult for me personally to fully engage with the story.

At the same time this comic book explores the themes of exploration and curiosity are present but not deeply explored. While the comic touches on ideas central to the Star Trek universe, such as the pursuit of knowledge and the unknown, it does so in a way that feels superficial. The exploration of these themes lacks the depth and thoughtfulness that typically characterize Star Trek narratives.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

The Belcher Family proudly celebrates this year’s Free Comic Book Day event with three wild and zany adventures featuring those lovable scamps Tina, Gene, and Louise, plus guest stars Bob, Linda, and all your favorites from Bob’s Burgers! It’s the official Bob’s Burgers comic book based on the fan-favorite (and Emmy Award-winning) Fox animated sitcom, jam-packed with the mouth-watering flavor that longtime fans and curious newcomers can enjoy!

This comic book aims to capture the quirky charm of the beloved animated series, but ultimately falls short. While this comic book offers glimpses of the show’s humor, the execution lacks the depth and engagement fans might expect.

This comic book presents a collection of short stories featuring the Belcher family and their antics. The creators of this comic book try to translate the humor and dynamic of the TV series into comic form, but the result feels disjointed and lacking in coherence.

The writing style itself in this comic book is lighthearted, yet it struggles to deliver the sharp wit and endearing character moments that make the show a hit.

The characters in this comic book (Bob, Linda, Tina, Gene, and Louise) are portrayed with their usual eccentricities, but the comic doesn’t delve deeply into their personalities or relationships. The rapid-fire nature of the short stories leaves little room for character development or meaningful interactions. While there are moments that capture the essence of the characters, they are fleeting and overshadowed by the lack of narrative depth.

The artwork itself in this comic book is a mixed bag, capturing the visual style of the show but occasionally lacking the polish and consistency needed to fully engage me personally. The illustrations that we get in this comic book capture the essence of the characters, but some panels appear rushed or underdeveloped, detracting from the overall experience. The visual humor, a key component of the series, is present but not as impactful without the show’s dynamic animation and voice performances.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with stories that move quickly from one gag to the next without much cohesion. This approach has left me personally with a sense of incompleteness, as the humor doesn’t always land effectively. The transitions between stories can feel abrupt, making it difficult to maintain a steady narrative flow.

At the same time this comic book explores the themes of family, humor, and everyday absurdities are present but not deeply explored. This comic book touches on these familiar elements, yet the lack of depth and focus makes it challenging to appreciate their potential impact. While the TV series excels at weaving these themes into engaging storylines, this comic book struggles to achieve the same level of resonance.

While this comic book has moments of charm, it occasionally leans into predictable and superficial humor. The unique perspectives and clever writing that characterize the show are not fully captured in this edition, making it feel like a missed opportunity to expand on the series’ appeal.

I Give This Book 2 / 5