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lizbethandthelifeinbetween's review against another edition
3.0
I recieved a copy via NetGAlley fore review purposes.
I have to say I'm not really leaning one way or another. I enjoyed this book, but that was about it. The premise is interesting and art and character designs are really cool. they have the old comic-style vibe but with bright colours and it feels very modern. I also love the touches of the camera directions going on like as if every scene was a scene in a movie and we were privy to the director's thought. It was a very unique concept and I wonder if there's some cool overarching reason for it that might be explored in later installments.
I have no previous experiences with this character so I can't say if this a good sequel/revamp/rewrite or whatever but I do think this is something someone would really enjoy, just mot me. Because the backbones and meat are definitely there, it's not my favourite type of meat.
I have to say I'm not really leaning one way or another. I enjoyed this book, but that was about it. The premise is interesting and art and character designs are really cool. they have the old comic-style vibe but with bright colours and it feels very modern. I also love the touches of the camera directions going on like as if every scene was a scene in a movie and we were privy to the director's thought. It was a very unique concept and I wonder if there's some cool overarching reason for it that might be explored in later installments.
I have no previous experiences with this character so I can't say if this a good sequel/revamp/rewrite or whatever but I do think this is something someone would really enjoy, just mot me. Because the backbones and meat are definitely there, it's not my favourite type of meat.
sleepydoe's review against another edition
3.0
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review! All the following opinions are my own!
Doctor Mirage is something of a superhero Marvel-es que story that primarily deals with grief and how it can make you go to extremes that are not good for you. The main character, Shan, is a witch and she's someone who can see through the veil. She's lost her husband and she tries to bring him back to life. One day, however, soemthing happens and the dead, whom she's so accustomed to living with, in a way, all disappear. Lost in this new, familiar yet unfamiliar world, Shan tries to reopen the portal that kept her connected to the afterlife for so long. It doesn't go as planned but a young girl shows up at her door and tells her something that tilts the world she knew on its axis.
Now, on the surface, this is the kind of story that is 100% my jam, but there was just something about this book that didn't click. The art style was fine, but not my favourite, and the characters were only sort of okay. A lot of the plot was kind of overcomplicated and pointless and I really wish there had been a more linear and straightforward story there. Of course, this is the first volume in the collection so I'm excited to see how they take this forward! It wasn't too bad, but definitely not my favourite graphic novel reading experience!
Doctor Mirage is something of a superhero Marvel-es que story that primarily deals with grief and how it can make you go to extremes that are not good for you. The main character, Shan, is a witch and she's someone who can see through the veil. She's lost her husband and she tries to bring him back to life. One day, however, soemthing happens and the dead, whom she's so accustomed to living with, in a way, all disappear. Lost in this new, familiar yet unfamiliar world, Shan tries to reopen the portal that kept her connected to the afterlife for so long. It doesn't go as planned but a young girl shows up at her door and tells her something that tilts the world she knew on its axis.
Now, on the surface, this is the kind of story that is 100% my jam, but there was just something about this book that didn't click. The art style was fine, but not my favourite, and the characters were only sort of okay. A lot of the plot was kind of overcomplicated and pointless and I really wish there had been a more linear and straightforward story there. Of course, this is the first volume in the collection so I'm excited to see how they take this forward! It wasn't too bad, but definitely not my favourite graphic novel reading experience!
quirkycatsfatstacks's review against another edition
5.0
I received a copy of Doctor Mirage through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Valiant has once again given the lovely Doctor Mirage her own solo series. Honestly, I couldn’t have been more excited about this news, as she’s one of my favorite characters to come from that corner of the market (which is saying something, since I also adore Faith).
Doctor Mirage, aka Shan Fong, has always had the most unusual talent – the ability to see ghosts. Her story is more heartbreaking and endearing than most, for this gift allows her to see the ghost of her husband.
Now she’s back, but she’s dealing with a problem she never imagined possible; she can no longer see the dead. Her husband included. Now she’s on a quest, though it does not end up being the one she expected to find herself on.
Can I just say that I loved everything about this volume? Perhaps my only complaint of the series is that it ended. I would have loved to see more than five issues, but I’ll acknowledge that the story they wanted was told, so there was no need to go on.
Magdalene Visaggio took up the writing for this volume, and holy cats. I’ve always found Mirage’s tale to be emotionally compelling – kind of hard not to. But Viasaggio brought that to all-new heights.
The fluctuation between past and present was used to great effect in this volume. It kept the intrigue up, while feeding us answers. Given how badly I was craving those very answers; I couldn’t read it fast enough.
There was something very haunting and beautiful about Doctor Mirage. Though perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised, as I’ve always felt that way. I do love how they altered and progressed her character and arc, and I am looking forward to seeing what will happen next.
The artwork behind Doctor Mirage is psychedelic and brilliant. We’re talking vibrant colors and ethereal concepts come to life in a visual explosion. I’ve never seen anything quite like it, and sometimes it feels like I never will again.
Nick Robles was the leading artist for this project, and thus they deserve a lot of credit for much of the wow factor from this volume. Their artwork perfectly supported the emotions and creative writing of Visaggio in fantastic ways. I honestly don’t think that it would have been the same without them.
I’m so sad to be done with Doctor Mirage, though happy that they left a promise that we’ll be seeing her again. Granted, I have no idea what future changes she’ll be facing. Or when we’ll see her next. I’m content to accept that promise, however. All while looking forward to that moment.
Valiant has once again given the lovely Doctor Mirage her own solo series. Honestly, I couldn’t have been more excited about this news, as she’s one of my favorite characters to come from that corner of the market (which is saying something, since I also adore Faith).
Doctor Mirage, aka Shan Fong, has always had the most unusual talent – the ability to see ghosts. Her story is more heartbreaking and endearing than most, for this gift allows her to see the ghost of her husband.
Now she’s back, but she’s dealing with a problem she never imagined possible; she can no longer see the dead. Her husband included. Now she’s on a quest, though it does not end up being the one she expected to find herself on.
Can I just say that I loved everything about this volume? Perhaps my only complaint of the series is that it ended. I would have loved to see more than five issues, but I’ll acknowledge that the story they wanted was told, so there was no need to go on.
Magdalene Visaggio took up the writing for this volume, and holy cats. I’ve always found Mirage’s tale to be emotionally compelling – kind of hard not to. But Viasaggio brought that to all-new heights.
The fluctuation between past and present was used to great effect in this volume. It kept the intrigue up, while feeding us answers. Given how badly I was craving those very answers; I couldn’t read it fast enough.
There was something very haunting and beautiful about Doctor Mirage. Though perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised, as I’ve always felt that way. I do love how they altered and progressed her character and arc, and I am looking forward to seeing what will happen next.
The artwork behind Doctor Mirage is psychedelic and brilliant. We’re talking vibrant colors and ethereal concepts come to life in a visual explosion. I’ve never seen anything quite like it, and sometimes it feels like I never will again.
Nick Robles was the leading artist for this project, and thus they deserve a lot of credit for much of the wow factor from this volume. Their artwork perfectly supported the emotions and creative writing of Visaggio in fantastic ways. I honestly don’t think that it would have been the same without them.
I’m so sad to be done with Doctor Mirage, though happy that they left a promise that we’ll be seeing her again. Granted, I have no idea what future changes she’ll be facing. Or when we’ll see her next. I’m content to accept that promise, however. All while looking forward to that moment.
briarsreviews's review against another edition
5.0
I love a good graphic novel, then throw in one truly epic cover and one of the most wild descriptions I've heard in a long time... You've got me hooked! I also used to have a strong fondness for Valiant, so that made me want to read it even more.
Shan Fong Mirage is a famous paranormal investigator. She used to see the dead, and now she doesn't. She's finally alone for the first time in her life. Then a sixteen year old walks into her life and announces that she too can see the dead... Will she follow her down this road?
This little collection has a few comics in it, and thank goodness! I was hooked after the first few pages and there was no way I was going to be able to stop if there was a cliffhanger. This story is just so darn good! I need to pick more of these books up and pronto! I love the mix of paranormal fantasy, drama and the hint of romance. I also feel like it's a great introduction to the character. Since I haven't read any previous valiant issues in the past few years, it was nice to slowly work my way into this one. I didn't need to read every other comic to know what was going on (although, that could have helped!).
This graphic novel is full of colour - lots of blues and purples. I really like the style and tone of the art. It just looks so... good. When spectacular things happen, the rest of the rainbow are used to set it apart from the rest of the book. Seriously, the colours themselves pulled me in and kept me. They're used beautifully. It's truly impressive.
Overall, I really enjoyed this graphic novel! I definitely want to read more about Doctor Mirage and pick up some more graphic novels from Valiant.
Five out of five stars.
I received this book for free from NetGalley.
Shan Fong Mirage is a famous paranormal investigator. She used to see the dead, and now she doesn't. She's finally alone for the first time in her life. Then a sixteen year old walks into her life and announces that she too can see the dead... Will she follow her down this road?
This little collection has a few comics in it, and thank goodness! I was hooked after the first few pages and there was no way I was going to be able to stop if there was a cliffhanger. This story is just so darn good! I need to pick more of these books up and pronto! I love the mix of paranormal fantasy, drama and the hint of romance. I also feel like it's a great introduction to the character. Since I haven't read any previous valiant issues in the past few years, it was nice to slowly work my way into this one. I didn't need to read every other comic to know what was going on (although, that could have helped!).
This graphic novel is full of colour - lots of blues and purples. I really like the style and tone of the art. It just looks so... good. When spectacular things happen, the rest of the rainbow are used to set it apart from the rest of the book. Seriously, the colours themselves pulled me in and kept me. They're used beautifully. It's truly impressive.
Overall, I really enjoyed this graphic novel! I definitely want to read more about Doctor Mirage and pick up some more graphic novels from Valiant.
Five out of five stars.
I received this book for free from NetGalley.
krys_and_books's review against another edition
3.0
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I was able to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
***
Doctor Shan Fong Mirage is a woman that can see the dead, and has up to this point been able to see her departed husband, Hwen, who has always been with her. All of a sudden she can not only “not” see him, but any dead people, period. After a failed attempt to see the dead again, particularly Hwen, a strange girl shows up at her supposed to be impossible to see/find home and tells Shan that she can see her husband and she needs to pass on a message from him. Shan is dead.
What follows is a crazy, riotously colored landscape that looks like the start of a bad trip but makes for an interesting world and exploration of death. Especially it’s history and how people have or have not coped with it.
Shan is skeptical but determined to at least learn what she can, especially if she can see Hwen again, and Grace, the strange girl, seems to be holding back a lot from Shan. As you travel forward in the story you also get flashbacks to the moments that might have led to Shan’s “death” and everything culminates in an epic battle... that’s still not over. This is a mini series that’s one self contained story, but there will be more to it in the long run because Shan’s story and what she went through in the Deadside isn’t over. I’ll be looking forward to seeing more of Doctor Mirage. I find her an intriguing character but I’m not sure this book really settled her character for me yet.
***
Doctor Shan Fong Mirage is a woman that can see the dead, and has up to this point been able to see her departed husband, Hwen, who has always been with her. All of a sudden she can not only “not” see him, but any dead people, period. After a failed attempt to see the dead again, particularly Hwen, a strange girl shows up at her supposed to be impossible to see/find home and tells Shan that she can see her husband and she needs to pass on a message from him. Shan is dead.
What follows is a crazy, riotously colored landscape that looks like the start of a bad trip but makes for an interesting world and exploration of death. Especially it’s history and how people have or have not coped with it.
Shan is skeptical but determined to at least learn what she can, especially if she can see Hwen again, and Grace, the strange girl, seems to be holding back a lot from Shan. As you travel forward in the story you also get flashbacks to the moments that might have led to Shan’s “death” and everything culminates in an epic battle... that’s still not over. This is a mini series that’s one self contained story, but there will be more to it in the long run because Shan’s story and what she went through in the Deadside isn’t over. I’ll be looking forward to seeing more of Doctor Mirage. I find her an intriguing character but I’m not sure this book really settled her character for me yet.
jennmarshall27's review against another edition
4.0
A 5 part mini series from the author of Vagrant Queen and Calamity Cate. Doctor Mirage can talk to the dead, but suddenly they are all gone. A girl shows up and insists that the reason why the dead are silent is because Doctor Mirage is dead herself. Is she?
The story was an emotional ride. Full of ups and downs. The art is perfect for this type of story. The switch between the real world and the spirit world is immersive. The color work is also beautiful. Everything combines to create exactly the experience you want in a comic.
Creative Team
Writer Magdalene Visaggio
Artist Nick Robles
Colors Jordie Bellaire
Letters Dave Sharp
The story was an emotional ride. Full of ups and downs. The art is perfect for this type of story. The switch between the real world and the spirit world is immersive. The color work is also beautiful. Everything combines to create exactly the experience you want in a comic.
Creative Team
Writer Magdalene Visaggio
Artist Nick Robles
Colors Jordie Bellaire
Letters Dave Sharp
theeprincessduhh's review against another edition
3.0
True Rating: 3.5
Likes:
-Art Style
-The Egyptian Mythology
-The present story
Dislikes:
-The time jumps
-I'm so confused with the ending
I want to thank Netgalley for giving me this graphic novel, it was a fun read. So what is the story about princess? Umm yeah I have no idea. Let me see if I can sum it up nicely with no spoilers. Shan can see the dead and has some type of magic. Her husband is dead so now she is trying to find a way to bring him back. There is an interesting side character that kind of falls off but she is super weird. The ending is a little confusing, I legit have no idea what to believe to be honest. I think Shan was on some type of show because the narrator keeps talking about moving camera and things like that. As I stated before you do get to see a little Egyptian mythology and that was pretty nice. It wasn't a lot but it was enough for me to feel like I need to look this creature up in my mythology book. Anyways it was a fun and quick read I do suggest it if you want a mind warping experience where you have no idea what is happening. I will have to continue because I need to find out what is happening.
Likes:
-Art Style
-The Egyptian Mythology
-The present story
Dislikes:
-The time jumps
-I'm so confused with the ending
I want to thank Netgalley for giving me this graphic novel, it was a fun read. So what is the story about princess? Umm yeah I have no idea. Let me see if I can sum it up nicely with no spoilers. Shan can see the dead and has some type of magic. Her husband is dead so now she is trying to find a way to bring him back. There is an interesting side character that kind of falls off but she is super weird. The ending is a little confusing, I legit have no idea what to believe to be honest. I think Shan was on some type of show because the narrator keeps talking about moving camera and things like that. As I stated before you do get to see a little Egyptian mythology and that was pretty nice. It wasn't a lot but it was enough for me to feel like I need to look this creature up in my mythology book. Anyways it was a fun and quick read I do suggest it if you want a mind warping experience where you have no idea what is happening. I will have to continue because I need to find out what is happening.
skylarprimm's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful artwork and an interesting new direction for Dr. Mirage.
erikasarutobi's review against another edition
4.0
I was wondering why I didn't get half of what's going on, I should have checked if it was first in the series or not. I honestly thought it was a standalone from the title.
Regardless of me not having read the previous volumes, I enjoyed the art style a lot. The story was good but a bit on the cliche and predictable side.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
Regardless of me not having read the previous volumes, I enjoyed the art style a lot. The story was good but a bit on the cliche and predictable side.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
luftschlosseule's review against another edition
4.0
Suddenly, Doctor Mirage can't see ghosts anymore. To fix this problem, she attempts a ritual that destroys parts of her house - and then a girl knocks, seeing her despite being heavily concealed with magic.
I don't know anything about this character or this series, and I think that this volume is a good introduction. You get to know who she is, what she can do, what her priorities are. The pacing is good, the colourful illustrations are beautiful. The hieroglyphs are real, but I am too tired to determine whether it's real Egyptian or just a jumble of symbols.
The last few pages open up a way to continue the series, and till then this volume felt like a closed story. I am sure that I will visit Doctor Mirage again in the future.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I don't know anything about this character or this series, and I think that this volume is a good introduction. You get to know who she is, what she can do, what her priorities are. The pacing is good, the colourful illustrations are beautiful. The hieroglyphs are real, but I am too tired to determine whether it's real Egyptian or just a jumble of symbols.
The last few pages open up a way to continue the series, and till then this volume felt like a closed story. I am sure that I will visit Doctor Mirage again in the future.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.