“Rooming with a Gamer Gal #001” By Renjuro Kindaichi Review

Takumi Satsuki (Early 20s, Male – Female in-game) became friends with Goro-san (Male) on Dragon Quest X, and they decide to become roommates. When he goes to meet up with Goro-san though, who he finds standing there is someone who doesn’t resemble their character in game one bit—a gyaru…?! This unintentionally catfished couple has a lot in store for them in this fun romantic comedy!

This comic book introduces a premise with potential but ultimately falls short in execution. At the same time the story in this comic book aims to blend comedy and slice-of-life elements but struggles with depth and engagement.

The narrative in this comic book revolves around the unlikely pairing of the protagonist with a gamer girl, exploring the dynamics of their cohabitation. While the setup promises humor and relatable scenarios, the plot lacks direction and cohesion. The story often feels like a collection of loosely connected scenes rather than a unified narrative, making it challenging for me personally to become fully invested.

The character development is a significant weakness in this comic book. The protagonist and the gamer girl are introduced with minimal depth, and their personalities remain largely unexplored. Their interactions, while occasionally amusing, lack the emotional weight and complexity needed to create meaningful character arcs. This superficial treatment had left me wanting more substance and understanding of their motivations.

The writing style in this comic book introduces scenarios that could have been rich with comedic potential, but the humor often falls flat. The dialogues are serviceable but lacks the wit and charm necessary to elevate the comedic elements. Conversations serve more as exposition than genuine exchanges, which detracts from the potential for dynamic character interactions.

The artwork in this comic book is visually appealing, with expressive character designs and detailed backgrounds that capture the everyday setting. While the visuals add an element of charm, they cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The artwork supports the story but does not enhance the overall impact due to the lack of narrative depth.

The pacing of this comic book is inconsistent, with scenes that either drag without adding value or rush through potentially significant moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow of the story, making it difficult for me personality to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression.

Despite its weaknesses, the concept of exploring the dynamics between a non-gamer and a gamer holds potential for future development. With a stronger narrative structure and deeper exploration of character motivations, subsequent installments could better capture the humor and relatability inherent in the premise.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Climate Keepers: Agents of Project Zero” By Nadia Shaik & Caitlin Like Review

This comic book gives us a timely concept centered around environmental activism but struggles with execution and unused potential that it had in my opinion. The narrative and character development fall short of creating an engaging and cohesive story.

The premise of this comic book revolves around a group of young activists, the Climate Keepers, who are part of Project Zero, an initiative to combat climate change. While the concept is both relevant and ambitious, the story fails to delve deeply into the complexities of environmental issues or provide a compelling narrative to drive the message home.

The character development in this comic book is one of the primary weaknesses. The protagonists, meant to inspire and lead the charge against climate change, are not given enough depth or backstory to make them relatable or memorable. Their motivations are superficially presented, making it difficult for readers to connect with their struggles or triumphs. This lack of depth undermines the potential impact of their mission and the stakes involved.

The writing style in this comic book introduces various plot elements, but the execution feels disjointed and unfocused. The dialogue often lacks the emotional weight and urgency needed to convey the gravity of the environmental challenges the characters face. Opportunities to explore the personal and emotional aspects of activism are missed, leaving the narrative feeling flat and uninspiring.

The artwork in this comic book while visually appealing in some aspects, does not consistently enhance the storytelling. While certain scenes capture the urgency of the climate crisis with vivid imagery, others appear static and fail to convey the dynamic nature of the characters’ mission. A more consistent and engaging visual style could have added energy and depth to the narrative.

The pacing of this comic book is another issue I had with this comic book. The story progresses unevenly, with some sections feeling rushed while others linger without adding significant value. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it challenging for me persoanlly to maintain interest and engagement or even fully grasp the plot’s progression.

However I liked the focus of this comic book which is on climate change. The potential to educate and inspire action is present, but it requires a more nuanced approach to storytelling and character development. Exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the Climate Keepers could add layers of complexity and engagement to the narrative.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Demoted to a Teacher, the Strongest Sage Raises an Unbeatable Class #001” By Ichi Suzumori & Monika Kaname Review

Monsters have long threatened humanity’s existence. To fight against these beings, Keith, the youngest person to ever become a sage, joins a knight order and shows immense success on the battlefield. However, that doesn’t last long, as a quarrel with an incompetent higher-up gets him fired from the order. With nowhere to go, Keith is assigned as a teacher, and with his talent for bringing out the best in his students, his class is about to reach unbelievable heights.

This comic book offers an engaging blend of fantasy and character-driven storytelling. At the same time this comic book introduces us as readers to a world of magic and mentorship, setting the stage for a promising series.

The story in this comic book follows a powerful sage who finds himself in a new role as a teacher at a magical academy. Tasked with training a group of underdog students, he must use his skills and wisdom to guide them toward greatness. Suzumori crafts a narrative that combines elements of humor, action, and heart, making for an enjoyable read.

The character development is a highlight of this comic book. The sage, despite his immense power, is portrayed with humility and a genuine desire to help his students succeed. His interactions with the students are both amusing and insightful, highlighting his growth as a mentor. The students themselves, each with their own quirks and challenges, add depth and variety to the story.

The artwork in this comic book complements the narrative with its vibrant and dynamic style. The illustrations capture the magical elements of the world, with detailed character designs and action-packed scenes that enhance the storytelling. The visual style adds an element of excitement, which have drawn me personally into the magical academy setting.

The pacing of this comic book is generally well-managed, maintaining a lively tempo that keeps readers engaged. However, some scenes feel rushed, with opportunities for deeper exploration of the protagonist’s background and the students’ development left unfulfilled. A more balanced approach could allow for greater character interactions and plot progression.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its thematic exploration of mentorship, growth, and the potential within everyone. These themes are woven into the narrative with a light touch, offering readers moments of reflection amidst the humor and action. Expanding on these themes could provide additional layers of depth and resonance in full version of this comic book.

Despite its strengths, this comic book occasionally relies on familiar tropes and clichés of the fantasy genre, which may feel repetitive to seasoned with picky readers as myself. However, the unique premise and character dynamics offer enough novelty to keep the story entertaining.

Dialogues throughout this comic book are engaging and effectively conveys the personalities and dynamics between characters. The creators of this comic book are able captures the essence of mentor-student relationships, adding warmth and humor to the interactions.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“Starcraft: Ghost Academy Vol. 3: Preview” By David Gerrold Review

10-Page Preview! The groundbreaking trilogy concludes! Struggling to forget her harrowing past, Nova, a powerful psionic soldier-in-training, has found strength in her fellow trainees. That newfound resolve will be put to the test when she and her team are dispatched to an abandoned mining planet for a real-world training exercise. There, they pick up a distress signal from a nearby planet. Following the signal through hordes of terrifying zerg, they rescue a group who turn out to be friends from Nova’s past!

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 delve deeper into the intricate world of Starcraft. Also this preview struggles to provide a cohesive and engaging narrative, which had left me  wanting more substance and clarity.

The story in this preview aims to explore the ongoing challenges faced by the students at the Ghost Academy, focusing on their training and missions. While the premise holds potential for tension and character development, the execution lacks the depth necessary to fully engage me personally. The preview introduces several plot threads, but none are developed enough to create a compelling storyline.

The character development in this preview is notably lacking. The characters, who should be the driving force of the narrative, are not given ample attention or depth. Their motivations and personal conflicts are only superficially touched upon, making it difficult for me to connect with or invest in their journeys. This lack of character focus detracts from the overall impact of the story.

The writing style in this preview introduces elements of intrigue and conflict, but the narrative feels disjointed and unfocused. The dialogue often comes across as flat and lacking the intensity needed to elevate the stakes. There are moments where the potential for drama and tension is evident, but these moments are quickly overshadowed by the fragmented storytelling.

The artwork in this preview does little to enhance the narrative experience. The illustrations fail to capture the dynamic and high-stakes environment of the Ghost Academy, often appearing static and uninspired. A more dynamic visual approach could have added energy and emotion to the storyline, compensating for some of the narrative shortcomings.

The pacing is another issue for this preview. The story progresses at an uneven pace, with some scenes feeling rushed while others drag without adding meaningful content. This inconsistency disrupts the flow of the narrative, making it challenging for readers to maintain interest or follow the plot’s progression.

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

“Snotgirl #1 No New Friends” By Bryan Lee O’Malley & Leslie Hung Review

Is she a gorgeous, fun-loving social media star with a perfect life or a gross, allergy-ridden mess? Enter a world of snot, blood, and tears in this new ongoing series from New York Times Best Seller Bryan Lee O’Malley and dazzling newcomer Leslie Hung.

This comic book introduces us to a world of fashion, social media, and personal insecurities but falls short in execution. Despite its intriguing premise and vibrant artwork, this comic book struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative.

The story in this comic book follows Lottie Person, a glamorous fashion blogger who battles severe allergies and insecurities beneath her polished exterior. This duality between her online persona and real-life challenges offers a promising exploration of identity and authenticity in the age of social media. However, the narrative fails to fully capitalize on this potential.

The character development is one of this comic book’s primary weaknesses. Lottie, while visually striking, lacks depth and relatability. Her motivations and internal struggles are not adequately explored, making it difficult for me personally to connect with or empathize with her character. The supporting cast also suffers from minimal development, with friends and acquaintances feeling more like caricatures than fully realized individuals.

The writing style in this comic book introduces a world filled with potential for satire and commentary on modern digital life, but the execution is uneven. The dialogue often feels superficial, lacking the sharpness and wit that could elevate the story. There are moments where the narrative hints at deeper themes, but these are not sufficiently developed to leave a lasting impact.

The artwork in this comic book is a standout feature. The vibrant and stylish illustrations capture the glossy, curated world of fashion blogging, adding visual appeal to the story. The character designs are distinctive and expressive, effectively conveying Lottie’s dual life. However, even strong artwork cannot fully compensate for the shortcomings in plot and character development.

The pacing of this comic book is another area of concern. This comic book introduces several plot threads but fails to weave them together cohesively. This results in a disjointed reading experience, where the stakes and direction of the story remain unclear. Key moments feel rushed, leaving little room for tension or emotional resonance.

Despite its weaknesses, the concept of this comic book holds potential for future growth. With more focused storytelling and deeper character exploration, the series could evolve into a compelling commentary on the pressures of digital life and the quest for authenticity.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Making Magic: The Sweet Life of a Witch Who Knows an Infinite MP Loophole #001” By Aloha Zachou & Shin Haruhara Review

Meet Chise, a young girl who is reborn in a new world with her old memories lost. A goddess grants her the gift of ‘Creation Magic’ under one condition – that she enjoys her new life! Together with Teto, a golem she creates, Chise embarks on an enchanting journey across the world.

This comic book presents an intriguing premise but struggles with execution. At the same time this comic book combines elements of fantasy and slice-of-life, offering potential that is not fully realized.

The story in this comic book follows a witch who discovers a loophole allowing her to access infinite magical power. This concept is promising, opening the door to creative storytelling and humorous scenarios. However, the narrative lacks depth and focus, often relying on repetitive plot points that fail to engage me personally fully.

The character development is one of this comic book’s significant weaknesses. The protagonist, while initially interesting, lacks depth and complexity. Her motivations and personality are underexplored, making it difficult for readers to connect with her journey. The supporting characters, introduced with little backstory or development, serve primarily as foils or comedic relief, rather than adding meaningful layers to the narrative.

The writing style in this comic book introduces a world filled with magical possibilities, but the execution is uneven. The dialogue often feels forced and lacks the wit and charm needed to elevate the story. Conversations serve more as exposition than genuine interactions, which detracts from the potential for dynamic character exchanges.

The artwork is a redeeming aspect of this comic book. The illustrations capture the whimsical nature of the magical world with vibrant designs and expressive characters. The visual style adds an element of charm, enhancing the lighthearted tone of the story. However, even strong artwork cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings.

The pacing of this comic book is very inconsistent, with scenes that either drag without adding value or rush through potentially significant moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow of the story, making it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression.

Despite its weaknesses, this comic book’s concept holds potential for future development. With a stronger narrative structure and deeper exploration of character motivations, subsequent installments could better capture the whimsy and creativity inherent in the premise.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Hill House Sampler #1” By Joe Hill Review

Turn a new page in fear with Hill House Comics, new from DC! Masterminded by Joe Hill, the writer behind the hit TV series NOS4A2 and the comics sensation Locke & Key, Hill House Comics is a new horror pop-up from DC – and this sampler gives you a taste of what’s coming in spine-chilling titles like Basketful of Heads, The Dollhouse Family, The Low, Low Woods and more. This sampler features preview pages from these three series, an interview with Joe Hill, and a checklist of every Hill House Comics title – and best of all, it’s free! Don’t miss it!

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 a tantalizing glimpse into the eerie and captivating world of Hill House Comics. At the same time this preview serves as an introduction to the various stories within the Hill House imprint, showcasing Hill’s talent for blending horror with compelling narratives.

This preview includes excerpts from several series, each with its own distinct flavor and atmosphere. Hill’s writing is consistently engaging, drawing me personally in with a mix of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural. The stories promise a variety of horror experiences, from psychological thrillers to traditional ghost stories, ensuring there is something for every fan of the genre.

One of the standout aspects of this preview is its ability to establish atmosphere and tension quickly. Hill’s knack for crafting vivid, unsettling environments is evident in each excerpt. Whether it’s a haunted manor or a cursed artifact, the settings play a crucial role in enhancing the sense of dread and anticipation that permeates the pages.

The character development in this preview is handled with care. Hill introduces intriguing protagonists and supporting characters, each with their own secrets and motivations. This depth adds layers to the stories, making readers eager to learn more about their journeys and the challenges they face.

The artwork across this preview is varied and impressive, with each series featuring a unique artistic style that complements its narrative tone. The illustrations capture the eerie and unsettling nature of the stories, enhancing the overall impact. From shadowy, atmospheric panels to detailed character expressions, the artwork effectively conveys the mood and tension of each tale.

While this preview is highly effective in generating interest and intrigue, its nature as a collection of excerpts means that some narrative threads are left unresolved. This is both a strength and a limitation; it entices me to delve into the full series but can also leave them wanting more immediate closure or context.

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 4 / 5

“The Isekai Returnee is Too OP for the Modern World #001” By Arata Shiraishi & Koban Sameda Review

A manga about a hero who has all the cheats needed to play it like easy mode in the modern world!Morishita Daiki became a hero after being summoned to another world. After skillfully striking down the Demon Lord, he returned to Japan. Daiki, with his strength concealed, was living a tranquil day-to-day life. However, apparitions and those with special powers run rampant in this seemingly-normal world. A supernatural school-battle epic rarely seen in the modern era unfolds in the shadows!! A story about an unbelievably strong hero returning to the modern era after his adventures in another world!

This comic book offers an amusing twist on the isekai genre. At the same time this comic book introduces us to a protagonist who must navigate the challenges of returning to a mundane world with extraordinary powers.

The story in this comic book centers on a character who has returned from an alternate world where he gained incredible abilities. Now back in the modern world, he must adjust to normal life while grappling with his overwhelming powers.

The creators of this comic book creates a narrative that blends humor with fantasy, exploring the comedic scenarios that arise from the protagonist’s attempts to fit in.

The character development is a highlight of this comic book. The protagonist is portrayed with charm and relatability, his struggles with mundane tasks offering both humor and insight. His interactions with other characters, including friends and family, add depth to the narrative, highlighting the contrast between his past adventures and present reality.

The side characters in this comic book while not deeply explored in this comic book provide a backdrop for the protagonist’s journey. Their reactions to his powers and the ensuing chaos add layers of comedy and tension, setting the stage for potential growth and exploration in future installments of the full version of this comic book.

The artwork in this comic book complements the story with its vibrant and dynamic style. The illustrations capture the contrast between the ordinary world and the protagonist’s extraordinary abilities, with expressive character designs and action-packed scenes that enhance the comedic and fantastical elements. The visual storytelling adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience.

The pacing of this comic book is generally well-managed, maintaining a lively tempo that keeps readers engaged. However, some scenes feel rushed, with opportunities for deeper exploration of the protagonist’s background and motivations left unfulfilled. A more balanced approach could allow for greater character development and plot progression.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its thematic exploration of belonging and identity. These themes are woven into the narrative with a light touch, offering us as readers moments of reflection amidst the humor. Expanding on these themes could provide additional layers of depth and resonance in future volumes.

Despite its strengths, this comic book occasionally relies on familiar tropes and clichés of the isekai genre, which may feel repetitive to seasoned readers. However, the unique premise and comedic approach offer enough novelty to keep the story entertaining.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“Nutmeg Vol. 1: Early Fall- Taste Buddies: Introduction” By James F. Wright & Jackie Crofts Review

Vol. 1 “Early Taste Buddies” collects issues 1-3 of Nutmeg, following 8th-grader Poppy Pepper’s partnership with new girl Cassia Caraway and their plan to sabotage rich girl rival Saffron Longfellow’s brownie fundraiser, taking their first steps toward a life of crime.

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 gives us a story with an intriguing premise but falls short in execution. At the same time this preview attempts to blend elements of mystery and coming-of-age drama but struggles to find a compelling balance.

The narrative of this preview follows two middle school girls, Cassia and Poppy, who embark on an unconventional culinary adventure that quickly spirals into a brewing mystery. While the setup promises a quirky and engaging tale, the plot unfolds with a lack of focus and clarity. The storytelling feels disjointed, making it difficult for me personally grasp the stakes or become invested in the outcome.

The character development in this preview is notably lacking in this volume. Cassia and Poppy, the protagonists, are introduced with minimal depth, and their motivations remain unclear throughout the story. Their friendship, which should serve as a central pillar of the narrative, is not explored with enough depth to make it relatable or engaging. As a result, the characters feel more like archetypes than fully realized individuals.

The side characters in this preview also suffers from a lack of development. Secondary characters are introduced without much context or backstory, leaving them flat and unmemorable. This lack of character depth results in a story that lacks the emotional resonance needed to capture my interest. 

The artwork is one of the few redeeming aspects of this preview. The illustrations are colorful and stylized, effectively capturing the whimsical tone that the narrative aims for. However, even strong artwork cannot fully compensate for the weaknesses in plot and character development.

The pacing of this preview is another area of concern. The story moves at an uneven pace, with certain scenes dragging on without contributing significantly to character development or plot progression. At the same time, key moments that should be impactful are rushed, undermining their potential emotional weight.

The dialogues throughout this preview feels stilted and lacks the natural flow needed to bring the characters to life. Conversations often serve more as exposition rather than meaningful exchanges, which detracts from the overall engagement and fails to build the necessary intrigue or tension.

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 1 / 5

“I’m an Alchemist Who Doesn’t Know How OP I Am #001” By Kaduki Ryo & Yo Toraku Review

To save her little sister’s life, S-ranked adventurer Laffey seeks an all-healing elixir. However, elixirs are highly precious items that take years to make by even the most experienced of alchemists. But one day, she meets Wraith—a man that defies these rules!

This comic book kicks off an intriguing fantasy series with a mix of humor and adventure. At the same time this comic book introduces us to a world of magic and alchemy, setting the stage for a story that balances lightheartedness with potential depth.

The narrative in this comic book centers around an alchemist who, unbeknownst to him, possesses extraordinary powers. The creators of this comic book creates a storyline that cleverly combines elements of comedy and fantasy, exploring the amusing scenarios that arise from the protagonist’s obliviousness to his own abilities. The plot is engaging, though it leans heavily on comedic elements, sometimes at the expense of more substantial character development.

The protagonist in this comic book is portrayed with charm and relatability. His humble nature and genuine curiosity make him an endearing character, even as his unawareness of his own power leads to humorous situations. While this creates a lighthearted tone, there is room for further exploration of his character depth and growth in future installments.

The side characters in this comic book are introduced with distinct personalities, adding variety and energy to the story. However, they often serve more as comedic foils than fully fleshed-out individuals. Developing these characters further could enhance the interplay between them and the protagonist, enriching the overall narrative.

The artwork in this comic book complements the story with its vibrant and expressive style. The illustrations capture the whimsical nature of the alchemical world, with imaginative designs and dynamic scenes that bring the magical elements to life. The visual storytelling enhances the comedic timing and adds a layer of enjoyment to the reading experience.

The pacing of this comic book is brisk, maintaining a lively tempo that have kept me engaged. While this fast pace contributes to the humor and energy of the story, it sometimes results in rushed scenes that could benefit from more detail or exploration. A more balanced approach could allow for deeper character interactions and plot development.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its thematic exploration of self-discovery and the unexpected potential within oneself. These themes are woven into the narrative with a light touch, offering us as readers moments of reflection amidst the humor. Expanding on these themes could provide additional layers of depth and resonance in future volumes.

I Give This Book 3 / 5