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raven31's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
carroq's review against another edition
3.0
Disclaimer: I received a free ecopy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After the last couple volume in this series, this book felt like sort of a let down. I really enjoy the idea behind it, and felt that the creators did a nice job explaining the premise of the Day of the Dead. The art that accompanies it is gorgeous. That is definitely one the strongest element of the series.
Mechanika has traveled to Mexico, but there wasn't anything to bridge this back to the previous book. That should make it friendlier to a new reader. I found it frustrating that it leaves a big gap between the two stories. She recently lost a good friend, which helps tie her story into the plot, but I can't honestly remember who the missing person is if he was even present in the previous stories. Those are probably my biggest gripes about this book and they made it feel less complete.
The whole integration of the Day of the Dead celebrations was well done. Of course, there has to be some sort of conflict and that part of the story is good. It shows what Mechanika is capable of if she really lets loose. Even though this book doesn't bring the reader any closer to finding out more about Mechanika's history, it is a fun diversion.
After the last couple volume in this series, this book felt like sort of a let down. I really enjoy the idea behind it, and felt that the creators did a nice job explaining the premise of the Day of the Dead. The art that accompanies it is gorgeous. That is definitely one the strongest element of the series.
Mechanika has traveled to Mexico, but there wasn't anything to bridge this back to the previous book. That should make it friendlier to a new reader. I found it frustrating that it leaves a big gap between the two stories. She recently lost a good friend, which helps tie her story into the plot, but I can't honestly remember who the missing person is if he was even present in the previous stories. Those are probably my biggest gripes about this book and they made it feel less complete.
The whole integration of the Day of the Dead celebrations was well done. Of course, there has to be some sort of conflict and that part of the story is good. It shows what Mechanika is capable of if she really lets loose. Even though this book doesn't bring the reader any closer to finding out more about Mechanika's history, it is a fun diversion.
monroev1225's review against another edition
4.0
I hate how much I love this character and universe. And I hate it even more that I have to wait til JUNE for the next volume to come out......June.....it's mid April....... that is painfully long.
I would recommend this to steam punk/ sci-fy fans. The whole series has been a blast to go through.
June......damn.
I would recommend this to steam punk/ sci-fy fans. The whole series has been a blast to go through.
June......damn.
quirkycatsfatstacks's review against another edition
4.0
I received an advanced copy of Lady Mechanika La Dama de la Muerte TP from Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Lady Mechanika La Dama de la Muerte is a side story following the events in volume three. I would have rated this a three and a half star, but honestly the artwork is just so stunning that I had to bump it up at least half a star for that. Seriously, I think I might have to see if I can buy a print or two from this volume. Even though it is a side story, it does contain some pretty massive spoilers for the other volumes, so I strongly urge that you read those first (though if you don’t mind spoilers it isn’t a requirement).
As the title (and artwork) suggests the theme is heavily focused on the Dios de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The merging of artwork and style here is truly breathtaking, and by far the highlight of the volume (please take the time to look at all of the alternate covers in the back, you won’t regret it!). I seriously can’t seem to move past how beautiful all the art is, hence why I’m gushing about it so much. I think it’s safe to say that while the artwork for Lady Mechanika has always been exceptional, this volume takes the cake, so to speak.
I think was my favorite so far of the Lady Mechanika series – it is very approachable with beautiful art (I sound like a broken record, don’t I?), an interesting albeit slightly heart breaking plot, and well-rounded characters. While I don’t want to give everything away, I will say that you should be prepared to be hit in the gut during this story; as the story fits the theme very well.
There is less of the steampunk element in this volume, but honestly I’m ok with that trade-off. The cultural theme of the story more than made up for it in this particular case. While I’m no expert on Dios de Los Muertos, I do believe that it was beautifully interpreted here.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Lady Mechanika La Dama de la Muerte is a side story following the events in volume three. I would have rated this a three and a half star, but honestly the artwork is just so stunning that I had to bump it up at least half a star for that. Seriously, I think I might have to see if I can buy a print or two from this volume. Even though it is a side story, it does contain some pretty massive spoilers for the other volumes, so I strongly urge that you read those first (though if you don’t mind spoilers it isn’t a requirement).
As the title (and artwork) suggests the theme is heavily focused on the Dios de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The merging of artwork and style here is truly breathtaking, and by far the highlight of the volume (please take the time to look at all of the alternate covers in the back, you won’t regret it!). I seriously can’t seem to move past how beautiful all the art is, hence why I’m gushing about it so much. I think it’s safe to say that while the artwork for Lady Mechanika has always been exceptional, this volume takes the cake, so to speak.
I think was my favorite so far of the Lady Mechanika series – it is very approachable with beautiful art (I sound like a broken record, don’t I?), an interesting albeit slightly heart breaking plot, and well-rounded characters. While I don’t want to give everything away, I will say that you should be prepared to be hit in the gut during this story; as the story fits the theme very well.
There is less of the steampunk element in this volume, but honestly I’m ok with that trade-off. The cultural theme of the story more than made up for it in this particular case. While I’m no expert on Dios de Los Muertos, I do believe that it was beautifully interpreted here.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
uma_booksbagsburgers's review against another edition
5.0
(I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
MINI-REVIEW
After reading the mini graphic novel about Lady Mechanika I was thrilled to see this title on Netgalley and HAD to read it. This was a lot longer and even more wonderful. The artwork was as gorgeous as before if not even better. I love the extra artwork the author provides at the beginning of the book about Lady Mechanika's clothing and her weapons. I would LOVE to get my hands on a physical copy of the book so I could pore over it. The story is about Lady Mechanika going on a vacation of sorts after a terrible loss in her life only to find more darkness at the place where she goes. I personally LOVED the diversity in this book!
It was so interesting to learn about DIa de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and understand the culture of Mexico. It's wonderful that the author teaches us a lot of things in the story without it feeling like info-dumping.
Also a word of warning here that there's a lot of violence in these books and since it's depicted in artwork, if violent art makes you uncomfortable, be warned about picking up these books. Also even though this is a part of a series, I feel like you can read each novel separately without much trouble, although this might have spoilers for earlier novels.
Overall, really enjoyed this and glad to have forayed into the world of Graphic novels!
MINI-REVIEW
After reading the mini graphic novel about Lady Mechanika I was thrilled to see this title on Netgalley and HAD to read it. This was a lot longer and even more wonderful. The artwork was as gorgeous as before if not even better. I love the extra artwork the author provides at the beginning of the book about Lady Mechanika's clothing and her weapons. I would LOVE to get my hands on a physical copy of the book so I could pore over it. The story is about Lady Mechanika going on a vacation of sorts after a terrible loss in her life only to find more darkness at the place where she goes. I personally LOVED the diversity in this book!
It was so interesting to learn about DIa de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and understand the culture of Mexico. It's wonderful that the author teaches us a lot of things in the story without it feeling like info-dumping.
Also a word of warning here that there's a lot of violence in these books and since it's depicted in artwork, if violent art makes you uncomfortable, be warned about picking up these books. Also even though this is a part of a series, I feel like you can read each novel separately without much trouble, although this might have spoilers for earlier novels.
Overall, really enjoyed this and glad to have forayed into the world of Graphic novels!
zahraalawati's review against another edition
3.0
I received this e-ARC via Netgalley, therefore I thank the publisher for a chance to review this novel.
The most thing that I enjoyed about this graphic novel is the ART!!
It is so brilliant and magnificent, I praise the artist!
The storyline was pretty cool too, it was a good steampunk read and I enjoyed it very much thank you.
The most thing that I enjoyed about this graphic novel is the ART!!
It is so brilliant and magnificent, I praise the artist!
The storyline was pretty cool too, it was a good steampunk read and I enjoyed it very much thank you.
andyn5's review against another edition
5.0
This is the type of comic that never disappoints! Beautiful art mixed with a great story.
The tale starts with Lady Mechanika on a journey, trying to put a tragic event behind her. In the small town of Santa Catrina, it’s that time of the year, the celebration of the Dia de Los Muertos. As she learns more and starts enjoying herself, a mutilated boy comes into town before collapsing. He is the latest victim of the Jinetes del Inferno, a group of gods that require sacrifices every year. If they don’t get what they want, they torture children as the warning. This time, they get more than what they bargained for. Lady Mechanika makes it her mission to put a permanent end to them.
I read and reviewed the previous volumes of the Lady Mechanika collection and this one can be read as a stand-alone. There is enough background story in the plot to make sure the reader doesn’t feel lost.
The storyline is very nice and dramatic. For the readers of the previous volumes, you will know there is nothing new to that. The story is simple, easy to follow and very compelling just as the style of writing.
The art is memorable as usual. The excellent graphics, the steampunk mixed with the typical Mexican art is simply amazing. The lines, the colours and the attention to detail blend perfectly with the story and the character of Lady Mechanika. The reader ends up being pulled into her world and her adventures.
Another great read, one that I recommend to the fans of the series and of steampunk art.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Benitez Productions and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
The tale starts with Lady Mechanika on a journey, trying to put a tragic event behind her. In the small town of Santa Catrina, it’s that time of the year, the celebration of the Dia de Los Muertos. As she learns more and starts enjoying herself, a mutilated boy comes into town before collapsing. He is the latest victim of the Jinetes del Inferno, a group of gods that require sacrifices every year. If they don’t get what they want, they torture children as the warning. This time, they get more than what they bargained for. Lady Mechanika makes it her mission to put a permanent end to them.
I read and reviewed the previous volumes of the Lady Mechanika collection and this one can be read as a stand-alone. There is enough background story in the plot to make sure the reader doesn’t feel lost.
The storyline is very nice and dramatic. For the readers of the previous volumes, you will know there is nothing new to that. The story is simple, easy to follow and very compelling just as the style of writing.
The art is memorable as usual. The excellent graphics, the steampunk mixed with the typical Mexican art is simply amazing. The lines, the colours and the attention to detail blend perfectly with the story and the character of Lady Mechanika. The reader ends up being pulled into her world and her adventures.
Another great read, one that I recommend to the fans of the series and of steampunk art.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Benitez Productions and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
toastx2's review against another edition
4.0
Lady Mechanika, part human and part machine, is haunted. As a detective in early 20th century England, she has done things she regrets and caused people she cares for to die. The Lady, running from her past and pain, heads across the ocean.
In Mexico, she arrives and is welcomed by the citizens of a small town. Lady arrives November 1869, on the Day of the Dead and celebrates life and loss with them. Her red eyes are explained away and beautifully melded with face makeup in the classic sugar skull.
Santa Muerta, the Devil's mistress, Lady of the Underworld. She has a penchant for forcing people's hand. While Mechanika may have a need to heal, Santa Muerta prefers people sweat it out a bit.
During the celebration, a messenger arrives and the villagers prepare for midnight when the demon rider Jinetes will come for their payments from the living. Lady Mechanika, decides to put her faith in science and logic, and hunt down the Jinetes to free the people.
La Dama de la Muerte is the collected trilogy volume from 2016.
Like other great series, Mechanika has had a minimal number of published issues. It focuses on stunning artwork and story. Set in a Steam Punk world, those who do not care for this genre will still be able to enjoy this collection. The extent of technology in this series begins with the fact that Lady herself is part machine (generally unnoticeable), and ends with the fact that she arrives in Mexico on a train (not unusual for 1869). It neatly sidesteps the need for deep genre familiarity and allows you to wallow in vibrant colors and beautiful design details.
This clean presentation is as graceful as the Lady Mechanika herself. It brings gorgeous cover to cover artwork, lots of full page alternate covers, but unfortunately not a lot of back story or additional editorial content. If you are unfamiliar with the series, this can stand alone, but will absolutely leave a couple questions unanswered for the un-indoctrinated.
Minor spoiler** There is one specific scene reminding me of a particularly brutal Wolverine/Logan attack. Lady can work a knife.. End spoil.
The presentation had one flaw which irked, the collection is penned in English, and calls out anything being spoken in Spanish by sandwiching inside of. This drove me a little crazy as the majority of text uses these. They are after all in Mexico and just about every word is Spanish translated. Why not put the things spoken in English in brackets.. This gripe does not take away from the work; it is just a personal annoyance that would cause me to burst if I failed to mention. I might have to find a Spanish language version of this just to see what it looks like translated and if I am just moronic for being annoyed. Does it present better?
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Disclosure-
This work was provided to me by the publisher for review purposes. I considered writing this review in Spanish until I realized I do not understand Spanish. As an old friend of mine used to say frequently, 'Por favor lavar mi langosta.'
In Mexico, she arrives and is welcomed by the citizens of a small town. Lady arrives November 1869, on the Day of the Dead and celebrates life and loss with them. Her red eyes are explained away and beautifully melded with face makeup in the classic sugar skull.
Santa Muerta, the Devil's mistress, Lady of the Underworld. She has a penchant for forcing people's hand. While Mechanika may have a need to heal, Santa Muerta prefers people sweat it out a bit.
During the celebration, a messenger arrives and the villagers prepare for midnight when the demon rider Jinetes will come for their payments from the living. Lady Mechanika, decides to put her faith in science and logic, and hunt down the Jinetes to free the people.
La Dama de la Muerte is the collected trilogy volume from 2016.
Like other great series, Mechanika has had a minimal number of published issues. It focuses on stunning artwork and story. Set in a Steam Punk world, those who do not care for this genre will still be able to enjoy this collection. The extent of technology in this series begins with the fact that Lady herself is part machine (generally unnoticeable), and ends with the fact that she arrives in Mexico on a train (not unusual for 1869). It neatly sidesteps the need for deep genre familiarity and allows you to wallow in vibrant colors and beautiful design details.
This clean presentation is as graceful as the Lady Mechanika herself. It brings gorgeous cover to cover artwork, lots of full page alternate covers, but unfortunately not a lot of back story or additional editorial content. If you are unfamiliar with the series, this can stand alone, but will absolutely leave a couple questions unanswered for the un-indoctrinated.
Minor spoiler** There is one specific scene reminding me of a particularly brutal Wolverine/Logan attack. Lady can work a knife.. End spoil.
The presentation had one flaw which irked, the collection is penned in English, and calls out anything being spoken in Spanish by sandwiching inside of
---
Disclosure-
This work was provided to me by the publisher for review purposes. I considered writing this review in Spanish until I realized I do not understand Spanish. As an old friend of mine used to say frequently, 'Por favor lavar mi langosta.'