Reviews

Love and War by Andrew Wheeler, Killian Ng

melycp's review

3.0

Firstly, I need to say that I love the play on words with the title. Love and war, tug of war. Absolutely genius if you ask me. 

It’s kind of funny how seriously they take tug of war, it’s basically life or death for them, but it’s also very fun. I love the competitiveness added to a childhood game. It’s a bit over the top but that’s why it’s so entertaining. I’m assuming Love and War is meant to be inspired by sports mangas, if so, I love that – despite having never read a sports manga. 

The cover is definitely what drew me into this graphic novel and because it was available on Kindle Unlimited I didn’t hesitate before downloading it. Not going to lie, I thought based on the cover this was going to be about gymnastics. I’m not too sad that it wasn’t, but now I really want a graphic novel about competitive gymnastics.

I really love the art style of Love and War, the illustrations were done by Killian Ng and they did such a good job. The character designs were super interesting, the lettering was clean (I’m not sure if they did that, but anyway) and the colouring was really nice. Every page was interesting and I loved the use of foliage to add extra details. 

The storyline was actually a little chaotic but in a funny way. The seriousness of the characters when it came to tug of war was very comedic and the romantic plotlines were interesting. I wouldn’t say I was very invested in any of the relationships, but if this were to get a second volume then there is definitely time for that to change. 

Volume one of Love and War was a fun, chaotic tug of war masterpiece. I’ve never had any interest in the sport, but this graphic novel definitely made it interesting. I’m excited to see more of the story in the second volume, whenever that may happen.

christinamcline's review

lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

ashlikes's review

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

intheblackout's review against another edition

4.0

Picked this up at a comic book store without knowing anything about it, except that it was gay. And it did not disappoint.

We have a Tug of War team rivalry, a fight for captaincy, and romance. Along with some great artwork fantastic read.

Hopefully I don't have to wait too long for volume 2.

Only one volume out and it already has some actual romance. I'm going to need Fence to start taking some notes...

cozycritiques's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-paced

”Tug-of-war s not about the singular ‘you.’ It’s about the transcendent ‘us.’ It’s about that most human aspiration, the many coming together in one purpose.”
 - Love and War

Tropes: Sports (Tug of War), Opposites Attract, Forbidden Relationship
Representation: Gay, Plus-Size Male, POC

This was only the first volume of this story, so it left off at a bit of a cliffhanger. However, the story was cute and had good pacing. I loved the diversity rep, especially the plus-size male lead, and the uniqueness of tug of war being the sport. If you’re looking for something to read after finishing Fence, I definitely recommend this. 

lavenderslibrary's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

books_calm_my_soul's review

funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

beffynicole's review against another edition

funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was a decent graphic novel but I felt like there was a lot of backstory I was missing out on. Still, it was cute and I'm now more invested in tug-of-war than I was before.

booksletusescape's review against another edition

inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

heathreadsx's review

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0