“Knight’s & Magic #000” By Hisago Amazake-no & Takuji Kato Review

A genius programmer and hardcore robot otaku is reborn into a world of knights and magic, where huge robots called Silhouette Knights roar across the land! Now reborn as Ernesti Echavarria, he uses his vast knowledge of machines and programming talents to begin to make his ultimate robot. But his actions have unexpected results…?!

This comic book offers an engaging introduction to a world where fantasy and mecha collide. At the same time this comic book sets the stage for an adventure filled with magic, technology, and the dreams of a reincarnated mecha enthusiast.

The story in this comic book begins with an intriguing premise: a talented programmer and mecha fan from our world is reincarnated into a fantasy realm where giant robots, known as Silhouette Knights, are a reality. The creators of this comic book create a narrative that balances the protagonist’s passion for mechs with the magical elements of the new world, creating a blend that appeals to fans of both genres.

The character development is pretty promising in this comic book, particularly with the protagonist, Ernesti Echevarria. His enthusiasm for building and piloting mechs is infectious, driving the narrative forward. Ernesti’s intelligence and determination are well-portrayed, making him a relatable and engaging character. Although the supporting cast is not deeply explored in this prologue, they show potential for growth and development in the full version of this comic book.

The artwork in this comic book is a highlight, because it is capturing the vibrancy and dynamism of the fantasy-mecha world. The character designs are detailed and expressive, reflecting their personalities and roles in the story. The depiction of the Silhouette Knights is particularly impressive, with intricate designs that showcase the blend of magic and technology. The artwork in this comic book has the ability to convey action and movement enhances the excitement of the narrative, bringing the mech battles to life.

While this comic book excels in setting up its world and premise, it does face some pacing issues. The prologue moves quickly through the initial setup, leaving little room for detailed exploration of the world’s lore and the protagonist’s backstory. This can make it challenging for me personally to fully grasp the intricacies of the plot and the mechanics of the Silhouette Knights. A more measured pace could allow for a deeper exploration of these elements.

The dialogues in this comic book are straightforward and functional, capturing the enthusiasm and curiosity of the protagonist. While it effectively advances the plot, it occasionally lacks depth and nuance. More intricate dialogue could enrich character interactions and provide greater insight into the motivations and personalities of the cast.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“Overwatch: Tracer–London Calling #1” By Mariko Tamaki Review

Tracer’s time as an Overwatch agent is up. Five years after the ratification of the Petras Act, she now tends to small–scale crimes as a part–time hero. But when a punk-rock omnic named Iggy shows Tracer the dire living conditions that have been forced upon London’s omnics, Tracer becomes determined to help in any way possible—even if it puts her back in the crosshairs.

This comic book offers us a vibrant start to Tracer’s solo adventure. At the same time this comic book introduces us to a post-Overwatch world, blending action with character-driven storytelling that captures the essence of the beloved hero.

The narrative of this comic book follows Tracer as she navigates the complexities of a divided London. The creators of this comic book create a plot that combines dynamic action with moments of introspection, exploring themes of justice and community. The storyline is engaging, setting up a conflict that promises to delve deeper into Tracer’s motivations and the challenges she faces.

The character development is a strong point in this comic book. Tracer is portrayed with depth and nuance, her optimism and resilience shining through even in difficult situations.  The creators of this comic book explores her internal struggles and motivations, making her journey both relatable and compelling. The interactions with new characters, such as Iggy, hint at evolving relationships that add layers to the story.

The artwork in this comic book is vibrant and dynamic, capturing the energy and spirit of Tracer’s character. The illustrations bring the story to life with expressive designs and detailed backgrounds, creating an immersive visual experience. The action sequences are fluid and exciting, reflecting the fast-paced nature of Tracer’s adventures and enhancing the overall reading experience.

The dialogues throughout this comic book are sharp and engaging, showcasing the creators’s of this comic book ability to capture the essence of each character’s voice. Conversations feel authentic and contribute to the development of character relationships and plot progression. The balance of humor and sincerity in the dialogue enriches the storytelling, making the interactions both entertaining and meaningful.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its thematic exploration. The creators of this comic book delves into themes of heroism, justice, and the power of community, inviting readers to reflect on the moral complexities faced by Tracer and her allies. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the story.

While this comic book is compelling, it occasionally feels constrained by its length, with certain plot points deserving more exploration. However, this limitation does not significantly detract from the overall impact and enjoyment of the story.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“Unity, Vol. 1: To Kill a King” By Matt Kindt & Doug Braithwaite Review

To kill a king…they created an army. The world’s most dangerous man, Toyo Harada, has been struck by the one thing he never thought possible ― fear. Halfway across the globe, a new power threatens to topple modern civilization and, to preempt the cataclysm that is to come, Harada will unite the most unforgiving team the world has ever known ― UNITY. Their mission: defeat the threat responsible for the destruction of MI-6, the decimation of an alien world, and the occupation of Eastern Europe… and unseat the warrior king armed with the universe’s most powerful weapon ― kill X-O Manowar!

This comic book offers an intriguing introduction to the Valiant Universe’s superteam. This comic book sets the stage for an epic confrontation, blending action with strategic depth, though it sometimes struggles with pacing and character development.

The narrative in this comic book revolves around a global threat posed by the powerful X-O Manowar, who has taken control of Eastern Europe. In response, a team of diverse and formidable heroes is assembled to stop him.

The creators of this comic book create a plot that explores themes of power, loyalty, and the complexities of leadership. The storyline is action-packed, providing high-stakes tension as the team navigates both internal and external conflicts.

The character development is a mixed aspect of this comic book. While the team is composed of intriguing individuals, their personalities and motivations are not deeply explored. Aric, the X-O Manowar, is portrayed with complexity, highlighting his motivations and the consequences of his actions. However, the other members of Unity, such as Ninjak, Livewire, and Eternal Warrior, could benefit from more focus to fully reveal their potential.

The writing style of this comic book, effectively captures the tactical elements of the team’s mission. And the dialogues in this comic book are sharp and purposeful, contributing to the development of character dynamics and plot progression. However, some interactions feel rushed, leaving limited room for genuine emotional depth or exploration of the characters’ backgrounds.

The artwork in this comic book complements the narrative with its detailed and dynamic style. The illustrations capture the intensity of the battles and the diverse powers of the characters with precision. In a way the artwork in this comic book enhances the storytelling, bringing a cinematic quality to the action sequences. The artwork, combined with the vibrant coloring, adds an engaging visual layer to the reading experience.

The pacing of this comic book is generally fast, maintaining a sense of urgency throughout the narrative. However, this brisk pace can sometimes come at the expense of character development and world-building. Some scenes move too quickly, which have left me wanting more context or deeper exploration of the characters’ relationships and motivations.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its thematic exploration of unity and conflict. The creators of this comic book weaves these themes into the narrative, prompting us as readers to reflect on the challenges of collaboration and the moral complexities of leadership. These themes add depth to the story, elevating it beyond a straightforward action narrative.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“Gasolina #1” By Sean Mackiewicz & Niko Walter & Mat Lopes Review

Fugitives. Rebels. Newlyweds. In their journey south from El Norte, Amalia and Randy have played many roles in order to survive. Now, they must become unlikely leaders in the fight against a new cartel who uses inhuman tactics to ignite the most monstrous war Mexico—and the world—has ever seen. Everything burns in this new series from SEAN MACKIEWICZ and NIKO WALTER, where love and devotion can only be measured in fire and blood.

This comic book introduces us to a gritty world of crime, mystery, and supernatural elements. At the same time this comic book sets the stage for an intriguing series, blending action with a unique atmosphere that captures interest despite some narrative challenges.

The story in this comic book follows Amalia and Randy, a couple caught in the crossfire of a brutal cartel war in Mexico. The creators of this comic book create a narrative that combines the harsh realities of drug trafficking with mysterious, otherworldly elements. The plot is fast-paced, immersing us as readers in a tense environment where danger lurks around every corner.

The character development in this comic book, is a mixed bag which I had problems with in this comic book. Amalia and Randy are introduced with enough depth to pique curiosity, portraying a couple whose love is tested by the chaos around them. While their motivations are hinted at, further exploration is needed to fully understand their backgrounds and emotional journeys. The dynamic between them adds a personal layer to the story, providing a focal point for reader engagement.

The side characters in this comic book is not not extensively developed here but it also hints at potential complexity and intrigue. Their roles in the unfolding drama suggest deeper connections and conflicts that could be explored in other comic books in this series, enriching the narrative tapestry.

The artwork in this comic book effectively captures the gritty and intense atmosphere of the story. The illustrations depict the harshness of the landscape and the brutality of the cartel world with striking detail. In a way the artwork in this comic book enhances the mood and tension, which had drawn me into the narrative’s dark and dangerous setting which I really liked in this comic book.

The dialogues throughout this comic book are sharp and realistic, which are reflecting the creators’s of this comic book ability to convey the tension and urgency of the characters’ situations. Conversations feel authentic and contribute to both character development and plot progression. This approach helps establish a connection with us as readers, making the narrative more immersive.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its thematic exploration of survival, loyalty, and the supernatural. The creators of this comic book weaves these themes into the narrative, offering moments of reflection amidst the action. This thematic depth adds substance to the story, elevating it beyond a simple crime drama.

However the pacing of this comic book can feel uneven, with certain scenes rushing through potentially significant moments while others linger without adding substantial value. This inconsistency can disrupt the flow and make it challenging for me personally to fully grasp the plot’s progression. A more balanced approach could enhance the overall impact and engagement.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“False Child #001” By Taku Kawamura Review

Imagine if a child who had passed away suddenly reappeared, looking exactly as she did before. But what if it was all the doing of a shapeshifting tanuki? This isn’t a reunion. She isn’t real. And yet, her parents cling to the bittersweet lie. Experience a poignant tale of loss and longing from the author of “My Clueless First Friend”.

This comic book presents an intriguing start to a series that explores themes of identity and deception. At the same time this comic book the stage for a narrative filled with mystery and psychological tension, that had drawn me personally into a world where appearances can be deceiving.

The story in this comic book revolves around a child who is not what they seem, living in a society that thrives on appearances and secrets. The creators of this comic book create a plot that blends elements of suspense and drama, that have kept me engaged with its enigmatic premise. The narrative raises questions about identity and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets, making for a thought-provoking read.

The character development is one of the strengths of this comic book. The protagonist is portrayed with depth and complexity, their internal struggles and motivations gradually unfolding as the story progresses. The creators of this comic book skillfully reveals layers of the protagonist’s personality, making them both relatable and intriguing. The supporting characters, while not as deeply explored, add to the overall tension and mystery, each with their own hidden agendas and secrets.

The artwork in this comic book complements the narrative effectively, with detailed illustrations that capture the mood and atmosphere of the story. The character designs are expressive, providing insight into their emotions and intentions. The use of shadow and light adds a layer of depth to the visuals, enhancing the sense of mystery and unease that permeates the narrative.

While this comic book excels in establishing its premise and characters, it faces some pacing issues. The narrative occasionally feels uneven, with certain scenes moving quickly while others linger without significant development. This can disrupt the flow of the story, making it challenging for me personally to fully immerse themselves in the unfolding mystery. A more balanced pace would allow for deeper exploration of the plot and character dynamics.

The dialogues in this comic book are sharp and effective, capturing the tension and uncertainty that define the characters’ interactions. The writing in this comic book is both engaging and thought-provoking, using conversations to reveal character motivations and advance the plot. The dialogue adds depth to the relationships, making them more complex and layered.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“My Ex-Boyfriend Loves Boys’ Love! #001” By MUGIIMO Review

One day, at a bookstore, Akado Momo ran into man in the BL doujinshi section. She was excited to meey her first fudanshi (man who like BL), but on closer inspection, realized it was her ex-boyfriend, Katakura Suzuya?! Join this depraved geek duo on their journey in this otaku comedy!

This comic book offers us a unique and humorous take on relationships and fandom culture. At the same time this comic book introduces us as readers to a quirky exploration of romance, identity, and the world of boys’ love (BL) comic book.

The story in this comic book centers on Ayumi, a young woman who discovers that her ex-boyfriend, Jun, is a huge fan of BL manga. This unexpected revelation sets the stage for a comedic yet insightful narrative that delves into themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships. The creators of this comic book create a storyline that balances humor with genuine emotion, creating a lighthearted yet meaningful read.

The character development is the highlight of this comic book, with Ayumi portrayed as a relatable and open-minded protagonist. Her journey of understanding and accepting Jun’s interests provides a fresh perspective on the often-misunderstood world of fandoms. Jun, on the other hand, is depicted with depth and authenticity, his passion for BL manga serving as a vehicle for exploring themes of identity and self-expression.

The artwork in this comic book complements the narrative beautifully, with expressive character designs and dynamic panel layouts. The illustrations capture the playful and whimsical tone of the story, enhancing the comedic elements while also conveying the characters’ emotional nuances. The art style effectively brings the characters’ personalities to life, making their interactions engaging and entertaining.

While this comic book succeeds in many areas, it does have some limitations. The pacing is occasionally uneven, with certain scenes feeling rushed and others lingering longer than necessary. This can disrupt the flow of the narrative, making it challenging for me personally to fully immerse themselves in the story. A more balanced pace would allow for deeper exploration of character dynamics and plot development.

The dialogues in this comic book are witty and often humorous, capturing the essence of the characters and their relationships. At the same time the writing in this comic book is both entertaining and insightful, using humor to explore themes of acceptance and understanding. The dialogue not only moves the plot forward but also adds layers to the characters, making them more relatable and engaging.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“Reincarnated as an Eight-Year-Old Apostle of the Gods #001” By Ezogingitune & Ataru Akinashi Review

Adelphus, the most powerful sage, was defeated by the Calamity Beast, an enemy of mankind, and was taken to heaven. However, he learns that the beast of evil will return in time, and was reborn as an 8-year-old boy named Will. The tale of the peerless warriors begins now!

This comic book offers an intriguing premise and a solid introduction to a fantasy world. At the same time this comic book sets the stage for a story that combines elements of reincarnation, divine intervention, and magic.

The narrative in this comic book follows a protagonist who is reincarnated as an eight-year-old child with a divine mission. Tasked with being an apostle of the gods, the young hero navigates a world filled with magical beings and challenges. The creators of this comic book create a storyline that blends fantasy tropes with a fresh twist, creating an engaging setup that piques interest.

The character development is promising but somewhat limited in this comic book. The protagonist, while intriguing due to their unique circumstances, could benefit from more depth and exploration of their past life and new identity. The supporting characters, including various divine beings and magical creatures, add flavor to the story but are not fully fleshed out yet. As the series progresses, there is potential for richer character arcs and interactions.

The artwork we see in this comic book is the highlight of this entire comic book. Because the artwork is bringing the fantastical world to life with vibrant illustrations. The character designs are distinctive and charming, capturing the youthful energy of the protagonist and the mystical aura of the divine entities. The artwork in this comic book puts a lot of attention to detail in the backgrounds and settings enhances the immersive quality of the story.

While this comic book excels in setting up its world and premise, it does face some pacing issues. The story moves quickly through the initial setup and introduction of key elements, which can make it challenging for me personally to fully grasp the intricacies of the plot. A more measured pace would allow for deeper exploration of the protagonist’s journey and the world’s lore.

The dialogues in this comic book are straightforward and functional, but it occasionally lacks the nuance and depth that could enhance character interactions. More intricate dialogue could add layers to the relationships and provide insight into the motivations of various characters.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“Line of Defense #1” By Ricardo Sanchez Review

The Insurgents are determined to regain control of Arkangel, and their moment will come when Commander Dansing makes an inspection tour of Nightbridge Station. But when Akasuki Svenson gets her orders, she makes other plans!

This comic book offers us an engaging entry into a sci-fi universe filled with action and strategic intrigue. At the same time this comic book sets the stage for a series that combines military tactics with futuristic elements, captivating readers with its potential.

The narrative in this comic book plunges into a high-stakes world where tactical battles and strategic maneuvers reign supreme. The creators of this comic book create a plot that balances exciting action with moments of character insight, maintaining a pace that keeps readers invested. The storyline effectively introduces the universe’s dynamics and the conflicts that drive the narrative.

The character development in this comic book shows promise, though it is somewhat limited in this initial issue. The protagonist emerges as a capable and determined leader, yet there is room for deeper exploration of his backstory and motivations. Supporting characters add diversity to the cast, hinting at complex relationships and potential growth as the series unfolds.

The writing style in this comic book captures the intensity of the battlefield, using dialogue to convey both the urgency of combat and the camaraderie among soldiers. The conversations feel authentic, contributing to character development and plot progression. This approach helps establish a connection with us as readers, making the narrative immersive and engaging.

The artwork in this comic book complements the story with its dynamic and detailed style. The illustrations vividly depict futuristic landscapes and high-tech weaponry, enhancing the sci-fi elements of the narrative. The visual storytelling is strong, adding an extra layer of engagement to the reading experience.

The pacing of this comic book is generally well-managed, providing a steady flow of action and narrative development. However, some scenes could benefit from more depth, particularly in terms of character backstories and world-building. Expanding on these elements could enrich the plot and provide additional layers of complexity.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its exploration of themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of warfare. These themes are woven into the narrative with subtlety, offering us as readers moments of reflection amidst the action. Further exploration of these themes in other comic books in this series could provide additional depth and resonance.

Despite its strengths, this comic book occasionally relies on familiar tropes and clichés, which may feel predictable to picky readers as myself. However, the unique setting and character dynamics offer enough novelty to keep the story intriguing and engaging.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“Breathe Preview #1” By John Sheridan & Kit Wallis Review

Special 11-page preview! China, the late 1700’s. In a village, high up in the mountains, a young innocent girl, whilst out gathering flowers, is called back home to discover that something dreadful has happened to her family. Who is to blame? Could it be the local Bao Gang known for its dealings in opium or someone closer to her? Beautiful art and covers from Kit (Monster Club, Wonderland) Wallis.

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 offers an intriguing glimpse into a world filled with mystery and potential. At the same time this preview sets the stage for an engaging series, combining elements of fantasy and suspense that had capture my interest.

The narrative in this preview introduces us to a world where air is a precious commodity, and survival hinges on managing this vital resource. The creators of this preview create a plot that is both compelling and thought-provoking, exploring themes of scarcity and resilience. The storyline is well-paced, maintaining a balance between action and exposition, which had kept me engaged from the start to the very end of this comic book.

The character development in this preview is promising, though somewhat limited by the brevity of the format. The protagonist is introduced with enough depth to pique interest, showcasing a blend of determination and vulnerability. While the supporting characters are not extensively explored, their interactions hint at complex relationships and potential for growth in full version of this comic book.

The writing style in this preview effectively sets the tone and atmosphere, capturing the tension and urgency of a world on the brink. The dialogues are sharp and purposeful, contributing to both character development and plot progression. This approach helps establish a connection with us as readers, making the narrative more immersive.

The artwork in this preview complements the story with its dynamic and expressive style. The illustrations vividly depict the harsh realities of the world, using a palette that enhances the mood and themes. The visual storytelling is strong, adding an extra layer of engagement to the reading experience.

The pacing of the preview is generally well-managed, providing a steady flow of information and action. However, some scenes could benefit from deeper exploration, particularly in terms of the protagonist’s background and the intricacies of the world. Expanding on these elements could enhance character development and enrich the plot.

One of the strengths of this preview is its thematic exploration of survival and resourcefulness. These themes are woven into the narrative with subtlety, offering us as readers moments of reflection amidst the unfolding drama. Expanding on these themes in the full version of this comic book could provide additional layers of depth and resonance.

While the preview successfully introduces the world and its challenges, it occasionally relies on familiar tropes and clichés, which may feel predictable to picky readers as myself. However, the unique setting and character dynamics offer enough novelty to keep the story intriguing.

So will buy and read the full version of this comic book ? Yes I will. It might take some time for me to actually read the full version of this comic book because I have been way too optimistic when creating my TBR list for this year and I don’t know if I get the time to read the full version of this comic book this year. But I will read the full version of this comic book at some point in time.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“The Grim Reaper and an Argent Cavalier #001” By Irono Review

Our hero Cyan’s life is changed forever when his loved one’s soul falls victim to a Larvae attack. Grief-stricken, he becomes an Argent Cavalier—a warrior sworn to fight the thralls of the grim reaper. But what happens when an unfortunate event causes him to become the very origin of his despair? Find out in this heartrending, dark fantasy!

This comic book offers an intriguing start to a fantasy series that blends themes of life, death, and chivalry. At the same time this comic book sets the stage for an adventure filled with mystery and potential, though it leaves some room for further development.

The story in this comic book introduces us to a world where the Grim Reaper and a noble cavalier form an unlikely partnership. The premise is engaging, with the creators of this comic book exploring the dynamic between two contrasting characters—one representing death and the other embodying ideals of heroism and valor. This dichotomy creates a narrative ripe for conflict and camaraderie, promising an exploration of deeper themes as the series progresses.

The Character development is a focal point of this comic book. The Grim Reaper is depicted with a surprising depth, revealing vulnerabilities and motivations beyond the typical portrayal of a harbinger of death. The Argent Cavalier, on the other hand, is portrayed as a steadfast and honorable figure, driven by a sense of duty and justice. While the characters are intriguing, the initial issue only scratches the surface of their complexities, which have left me eager to learn more about their backstories and future interactions.

The artwork is a highlight of this comic book, because it effectively capturing the tone and atmosphere of the story. The illustrations are detailed and expressive, bringing the characters and their world to life. The contrast between the dark, foreboding presence of the Grim Reaper and the shining, heroic figure of the Argent Cavalier is visually striking, enhancing the thematic elements of the narrative.

Despite its strengths, this comic book does have some limitations. The pacing is somewhat uneven, with certain scenes feeling rushed while others linger longer than necessary. This inconsistency can disrupt the flow of the narrative, making it challenging to become fully immersed in the story. Additionally, while the premise is promising, the initial plot developments are somewhat predictable, leaving room for more originality and surprise in future issues.

Dialogues in this comic book is functional but occasionally lacks the depth and wit that could elevate character interactions. More nuanced dialogue could enrich the relationships between characters and provide greater insight into their personalities and motivations.

I Give This Book 3 / 5