Book Review: Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle Paige, Stephen Byrne

Mera: Tidebreaker is a graphic novel written by Danielle Paige and illustrated by Stephen Byrn. Mera is teenage royalty, heir to the throne of Xebel, the other not-so-lost colony under the sea. But Mera is destined to wear a different crown, that of Atlantis. When the inhabitants of Xebel plot to overthrow their homeland of Atlantis, Mera is sent to kill the heir to the throne, Arthur Curry. As the unrest between their colonies grows, Mera and Arthur unexpectedly fall in love...will Arthur Curry be the king at Mera's side in Atlantis, or will he die under her blade?

Mera: Tidebreaker is a young adult graphic novel, but sometimes feels like it is slanted for a younger audience. Mera is the expected princess that wants more that what she sees ahead of her, she wants to make a difference, so she breaks the rules and breaks away. Things do not go as planned, because they never do. Some of this worked for me, I enjoyed the artwork and thought the colors and style were perfect for this particular story. However, some of the scenes ended abruptly and parts of the relationship buildng of the story just did not flow for me. Perhaps it is because I am so far from the target audience, but I read a good deal of middle grade and young adult materials so I am not sure if that is the problem. I was kind of hoping to get a better understanding of some of these characters, since I am behind on my DC universe lore, and in some ways I did that, but it did not really help me like them any more.

Mera: Tidebreaker was a mixed bag for me. I think there is certainly an audience for it and the art is very well done, but I think I was expecting more.

Book Review: Batgirl Vol. 1 (Rebirth) Beyond Burnside by Hope Larson

Batgirl Volume 1 (Rebirth) Beyond Burnside by Hope Larson collects issues one through six. Barbara Gordon’s heart belongs to Burnside, the ultra-hip Gotham City neighborhood. But some threats are bigger than Burnside. And when those threats come calling, Batgirl will answer! When Babs plans a trip to train with the greatest fighters in the Far East, she has no idea her vigilante life will follow her. Lethal warriors are out to take her down, each bearing the mysterious mark of “The Student.” And where there are Students, there must also be…a Teacher. Batgirl’s quest to track down her enemies’ master will take her from Okinawa to Singapore to Seoul to Shanghai. Along the way, she’ll enhance her martial arts skills, and meet legendary heroes. 

Beyond Burnside takes place before the Birds of Prey story in the Rebirth story cycle. It is a look at Bab's past, and an interesting side story. As a fan of the idea of Batgirl, I have not read much about her aside from where she appears in other character's comics as a supporting character. This was a good glimpse at her background, and I really enjoyed the artwork and tone of the story. Batgirl is finding herself and ready to study and improve her skills to become who and what she wants to be. The mystery part of the story was good, but I think it was the character strength and development that really made the book.  I enjoyed the read, but only wish I had already read the Birds of Prey story- and more Batgirl books. 

Beyond Burnside is a good book, and one that tells a side story that is well done and fun- but not a must read. 

Book Review: Bug Girl (Bug Girl, #1) by Benjamin Harper, Sarah Hines-Stephens, Anoosha Syed

Bug Girl is the first book in a series by the same title by Benjamin Harper, Sarah Hines-Stephens, and Anoosha Syed. Amanda Price adores all things bug-related—from spiders to mantises. Unfortunately, most of her fellow sixth-graders do not share her invertebrate obsession. They’re grossed out by it. Especially Amanda’s ex-best friend, Emily, who thinks Amanda is creepy weird. But when mysterious invaders menace the town of Oyster Cove and take both Amanda and Emily’s mothers captive, Amanda unexpectedly develops amazing insect powers! Newly equipped with antennae and a glistening exoskeleton she uncovers a secret that changes everything. Now Amanda has to act fast or her town and her mom are doomed! There’s just one complication, she needs Emily’s help. Suddenly Amanda’s worst enemy becomes her best ally, but working together may be even harder than saving their town.

Bug Girl is a story that is not just about gaining superpowers and saving your home town. The real heart of the story is about Amanda being true to herself, and finding her way through the changes of middle school, and becoming a superheroes of course. I liked that Amanda faces bullying and social issues, but remains true to her interests and self rather than falling in line with the rest. The fact that her former best friend Emily has falling into step with the rest of the school makes that harder, but she finds her own way despite the loss of her best friend and the teasing that co,mes with having a passion about something that is not approved of by the popular crowd in middle school. Then when the super powers and conflict arise, she just continues to grow as a person, not just focusing on the powers. I really liked the coming of age tale, and the message of being true to yourself. The knowledge that we are all stronger than we know is a strong thread through the story as well. Readers that feel like they are on the outside, different, or bullied (which I think every one feels at some point) will definitely enjoy the read and connect with the characters.

Bug Girl is a charming story with a great deal of heart, and some serious action. I liked the blend of facts about insects and the fun adventure and growth that Amanda faces. I think this will be a win with elementary and middle school readers.

Book Review: Nightwing: Vol 1 Better Than Batman (Rebirth) by Tim Seeley, Javier Fernandez, Yanick Paquette

Nightwing: Vol 1 Better Than Batman (Rebirth) is a graphic novel written by Tim Seeley with art by Yanick Paquette and Javier Fernandez. It collects NIGHTWING: REBIRTH #1 and NIGHTWING #1-6.

He's been Robin, he's been a super spy, a ghost. Now, Dick Grayson finds himself back in Gotham City fighting to reclaim the life that was taken from him. But when a new evil threatens those closest to Dick, as Nightwing he must once again choose whether or not to tear himself away from his home in order to combat this dark force. Everything Dick thought he knew about being Nightwing will be brought to bear, and his relationship to his former mentor Batman will be put to the test. 

I have always loved comics and graphic novels, but have never had the chance to read any Nightwing issues before. I know enough of his story and the universe to not be completely lost, which was nice, but I think many readers coming in completely cold might be slower to catch up to the characters and their relationships to each other. I liked that even though there was plenty of action and mystery going on, there was a great deal of character development for all the major players as well. I think Nightwing's growth- and the resulting changes in his relationships with those closest to him- were very well done and left the door open for many possibilities in the future. I really like that we get serious development with the not so good guys as well. That is why I have always like the Batman and related stories, because little is clearly black and white, good or bad. The artwork and coloring are exactly what I was looking for in this title. extending the readers understanding of the action and character's emotions while telling their part of the story.

If you enjoy the greyer side of crime fighting, and enjoy graphic novels I would suggest checking it out. I do offer a warning though, if you do and have not been keeping up with the DC comic world this will make you eager to catch up. I know I am now looking for the time to do some serious reading.

Book Review: Jacked by Eric Kripke

Jacked by Eric Kripke is an adult graphic novel about Josh Jaffe, a man deep in his own mid-life crisis. Feeling like no one respects him, he takes the advise of his brother and tries out a pill that is supposed to help him be more focused and help him break out of a slump. However, while the pill certainly makes him feel healthier- it also gives him super strength and some crazy hallucinations and are highly addictive. This brutally honest story is from Eric Kripke (creator of the hit TV series Supernatural), Vertigo veterans John Higgins (HELLBLAZER), and Glenn Fabry (PREACHER) with a on the modern superhero in this new graphic novel thriller.

Jacked collects the entire current run of the story, issues one through six. It is a realistic look at life today, at least for some, and a different angle of becoming a superhero. I liked that the book was gritty and real. It showed the more depressing side of middle age, and how some people feel or cope. It also takes a look a society, and how looking for respect and trying to be better can lead down dangerous paths. There are graphic moments, and the trippy hallucinations were bright and bold. It came together very well and most adults will be able to relate to at least some of the emotions or situations that run through the story.

Jacked is a solid and well executed graphic novel. It was timely and realistic. However, while I liked it, I did not adore it.