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emeraldreviews's reviews
130 reviews
Over the Ropes Vol. 1 by Jay Sandlin
4.0
I will start by saying I'm not a big wrestling fan but that in no way shape or form affected my enjoyment of this comic. Please, don’t be put off by the wrestling basis, this is a story of triumph, courage, family and well… wrestling! A true to life wrestling tale of company vs company, athlete vs athlete…Any wrestling fans will also love this comic for the awesome wrestling based action.
I am a big fan of Jay Sandlin and going back to read this collection, partly at his recommendation, was a decision I don’t regret at all. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, it is so different from the fantastical comics I am used to. It's more real to life that has touches of the wrestling shows I remember from my childhood, back when I was a big fan of shows like Raw and Smackdown! I really enjoyed how each issue was a ‘round’ and not just a new chapter, it was a set up of a new fight. It’s a unique way of mapping out each issue and I found myself saying that I was “looking forward to reading the next round”.
Phoenix is an excellent character that has a brilliant background story and a gripping story throughout the events of the comic. I was hooked and thankfully because I was reading the TPB, I didn't have to wait for any issues! All the supporting cast do a phenomenal job also, the ‘villains’ are deliciously manipulative and scheming. The ‘heroes’ are courageous and strong. Everyone has a part to play in the story and Jay has done an excellent job of including everyone and ensuring ample character development are every one of them.
The artistic team do a phenomenal job of capturing the story and really bring the action sequences to life, you feel every slam and wince at every hit. The visual storytelling is as brilliant as the writing which makes for a really strong comic.
Over the ropes is your classic underdog story filled with heart, excellent storytelling and slamming visuals! A must own for any wrestling fan and non wrestling fans alike. If wrestling isn’t your thing then read for the story, the emotions, and the triumph!
“You call wrestling fake--I call it telling a story. Stories come from everywhere. Even music. I got my first wrestling name from a grunge album I bought in Mexico City.” - Phoenix
I am a big fan of Jay Sandlin and going back to read this collection, partly at his recommendation, was a decision I don’t regret at all. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, it is so different from the fantastical comics I am used to. It's more real to life that has touches of the wrestling shows I remember from my childhood, back when I was a big fan of shows like Raw and Smackdown! I really enjoyed how each issue was a ‘round’ and not just a new chapter, it was a set up of a new fight. It’s a unique way of mapping out each issue and I found myself saying that I was “looking forward to reading the next round”.
Phoenix is an excellent character that has a brilliant background story and a gripping story throughout the events of the comic. I was hooked and thankfully because I was reading the TPB, I didn't have to wait for any issues! All the supporting cast do a phenomenal job also, the ‘villains’ are deliciously manipulative and scheming. The ‘heroes’ are courageous and strong. Everyone has a part to play in the story and Jay has done an excellent job of including everyone and ensuring ample character development are every one of them.
The artistic team do a phenomenal job of capturing the story and really bring the action sequences to life, you feel every slam and wince at every hit. The visual storytelling is as brilliant as the writing which makes for a really strong comic.
Over the ropes is your classic underdog story filled with heart, excellent storytelling and slamming visuals! A must own for any wrestling fan and non wrestling fans alike. If wrestling isn’t your thing then read for the story, the emotions, and the triumph!
“You call wrestling fake--I call it telling a story. Stories come from everywhere. Even music. I got my first wrestling name from a grunge album I bought in Mexico City.” - Phoenix
Little Victories: Autism Through a Father's Eyes by Yvon Roy
5.0
I didn’t really know what to expect with this graphic novel, it's a far cry from the fantasy style I'm used to but wow, did this make an impact on me. It is truly an emotional rollercoaster journey through a short period of a family’s lives that is impacted in such a big way.
The writer and illustrator Yvon Roy does a stunning job of building an atmospheric story full of humour, love, pain, frustration & triumph. Art that is beautiful in it’s simplicity ensures the reader is fully engrossed into the story. Expert wordsmanship pulls you deeply into the story and envelops you in an emotional connection with the characters.
A story that describes the difficulties of dealing with autism in such an imaginative yet easy to understand way allows for anyone, regardless of experience with autism, to understand the thought patterns and feelings of each character involved.
This story hit specifically with myself as a father. We have a connection with autism in our family that I won’t go into, but please believe me when I say that when Yvon describes the thoughts & feelings, he hits the nail on the head. At the end of the day, there is nothing quite like a parents' love for their children and this is portrayed in this story in abundance. Throughout any trials in life, love stands strong through it all.
My wife was extremely interested in this graphic novel when it came through the post, she’s not really into comics or graphic novels but considering the connection of autism and our family, she really wanted to read it. Here’s what she thought:
“Reading a graphic novel is out of the ordinary for me. I wouldn't usually want to dive straight into one, but when my husband came running in to show me what he was reviewing, I stared. I stared at the front cover of Little Victories: Autism through a Father's eyes. - Yvon Roy for a few moments, my eyes had a watery glaze and this huge smile appeared on my face.
What was I thinking? Truly... to see the words 'Through a Fathers eyes' - It was a breath of fresh air! I was excited!!! A semi-autobiographical graphic novel by a father who wants to give his view on how life is with his 'cute' autistic son, I had to read this.
Within the first few pages, a wave of emotion and a dark sense of anxiety gripped me. It gripped me in a way no book ever has. My head was filled with anxiety and excitement to read this story. One of my main thoughts about this novel was: this is so relatable and the best feeling to come from this, is that my heart was filled instantly with love for Mark and his son Oliver.
Throughout the comic I had so much admiration for Mark, for the ways in which he adapted his entire living to help enable Oliver reach his highest potential. I also felt very proud of Oliver's wonderful parents. Even though they are separated they work as a team to conquer all and make the best life for their well loved son. This was very inspiring to read.
Yvon Roy has written this beautiful adventure perfectly, the way in which it is written is just like a piece of fine art, the author's thoughts have gone into every word and really does give us parents hope and a bit of light for the tougher days. It would seem to me that this novel is relatable to every parent, as we all go through the adventure of life with lows and highs. The use of humour really does make the novel so real, because personally I find using humour in day to day situations can really help ease a situation.
Finishing this graphic novel, I wanted to read it over and over again. I had a feeling of warmth and comfort, and that smile I had right at the beginning, it grew larger through-out this story. Yvon Roy, thank you for having the strength and courage to write this, you have made my day a lot better, and from this I will take the fact that every victory with my children, no matter how small, deserves some type of celebration, And that every win is a WIN! Your calming ways helped me see and appreciate sometimes we just need to take 5 minutes out together and just focus on us. Thank you for this.”
All in all we both adored this graphic novel, it connected with us on an emotional level and some of the interactions and techniques used in the story have been tried by us in our everyday life. A beautiful story of a family's move to adapt to new and challenging situations and also a superb view on a father's love and devotion for their child. Thank you Yvon Roy for creating a simply stunning graphic novel that will resonate with so many people.
“Calm down, chase away your anger and find your zone of tranquillity.” - Mark
The writer and illustrator Yvon Roy does a stunning job of building an atmospheric story full of humour, love, pain, frustration & triumph. Art that is beautiful in it’s simplicity ensures the reader is fully engrossed into the story. Expert wordsmanship pulls you deeply into the story and envelops you in an emotional connection with the characters.
A story that describes the difficulties of dealing with autism in such an imaginative yet easy to understand way allows for anyone, regardless of experience with autism, to understand the thought patterns and feelings of each character involved.
This story hit specifically with myself as a father. We have a connection with autism in our family that I won’t go into, but please believe me when I say that when Yvon describes the thoughts & feelings, he hits the nail on the head. At the end of the day, there is nothing quite like a parents' love for their children and this is portrayed in this story in abundance. Throughout any trials in life, love stands strong through it all.
My wife was extremely interested in this graphic novel when it came through the post, she’s not really into comics or graphic novels but considering the connection of autism and our family, she really wanted to read it. Here’s what she thought:
“Reading a graphic novel is out of the ordinary for me. I wouldn't usually want to dive straight into one, but when my husband came running in to show me what he was reviewing, I stared. I stared at the front cover of Little Victories: Autism through a Father's eyes. - Yvon Roy for a few moments, my eyes had a watery glaze and this huge smile appeared on my face.
What was I thinking? Truly... to see the words 'Through a Fathers eyes' - It was a breath of fresh air! I was excited!!! A semi-autobiographical graphic novel by a father who wants to give his view on how life is with his 'cute' autistic son, I had to read this.
Within the first few pages, a wave of emotion and a dark sense of anxiety gripped me. It gripped me in a way no book ever has. My head was filled with anxiety and excitement to read this story. One of my main thoughts about this novel was: this is so relatable and the best feeling to come from this, is that my heart was filled instantly with love for Mark and his son Oliver.
Throughout the comic I had so much admiration for Mark, for the ways in which he adapted his entire living to help enable Oliver reach his highest potential. I also felt very proud of Oliver's wonderful parents. Even though they are separated they work as a team to conquer all and make the best life for their well loved son. This was very inspiring to read.
Yvon Roy has written this beautiful adventure perfectly, the way in which it is written is just like a piece of fine art, the author's thoughts have gone into every word and really does give us parents hope and a bit of light for the tougher days. It would seem to me that this novel is relatable to every parent, as we all go through the adventure of life with lows and highs. The use of humour really does make the novel so real, because personally I find using humour in day to day situations can really help ease a situation.
Finishing this graphic novel, I wanted to read it over and over again. I had a feeling of warmth and comfort, and that smile I had right at the beginning, it grew larger through-out this story. Yvon Roy, thank you for having the strength and courage to write this, you have made my day a lot better, and from this I will take the fact that every victory with my children, no matter how small, deserves some type of celebration, And that every win is a WIN! Your calming ways helped me see and appreciate sometimes we just need to take 5 minutes out together and just focus on us. Thank you for this.”
All in all we both adored this graphic novel, it connected with us on an emotional level and some of the interactions and techniques used in the story have been tried by us in our everyday life. A beautiful story of a family's move to adapt to new and challenging situations and also a superb view on a father's love and devotion for their child. Thank you Yvon Roy for creating a simply stunning graphic novel that will resonate with so many people.
“Calm down, chase away your anger and find your zone of tranquillity.” - Mark
Event Leviathan by Brian Michael Bendis
4.0
I was originally interested in Event Leviathan because of well… you guessed it, Green Arrow is in it! BUT… This isn’t a Green Arrow story. This isn’t a Batman story. It is a story of total and utter confusion and disarray. None of the characters have the foggiest about what’s going on, and yes. That includes Batman.
There’s only one person that totally understands what is going on and that is the elusive and mysterious Leviathan. I never saw a spoiler about Leviathan’s identity which made reading this that much more enjoyable. I was right there with the heroes, guessing at who was behind the mask. Honestly, initially I had a thought on who it might be, boy was I wrong. I was so far out that I could’ve guessed Deadpool and I would have been way closer.
Brian Michael Bendis is a superb writer and he continues to prove his credentials in Event Leviathan. Delivering a mysterious whodunit type comic is no easy feat considering the depth of knowledge that a lot of people have in the comic book world. This is the first time i’ve read anything written by Brian but after reading Event Leviathan I will be searching for more to read!
Alex Maleev is a superb comic book artist, his work to me seems to be influenced in some way by Alex Ross. There’s a kind of realism to his work and it is beautiful to behold. I am also very impressed with the shroud of mystery Alex was able to coat over the entire novel with his art. His art and Brian’s writing blend seemlessly. A true treat on the eyes and mind.
Event Leviathan is a comic book version of a classic whodunit movie that’ll keep you on your toes, examining evidence and pausing in confusion as yet another one of your guesses about Leviathan’s identity is proven wrong! Don’t expect an action packed, power soaked battering of characters in huge fight scenes. This collection is all about the mystery. Think the mystery murder on the Orient Express mixed with the diabolical schemes of the ‘big bads’ of James Bond.
“We are Leviathan and tomorrow with your help … We won’t have to imagine a better world…” - Leviathan
There’s only one person that totally understands what is going on and that is the elusive and mysterious Leviathan. I never saw a spoiler about Leviathan’s identity which made reading this that much more enjoyable. I was right there with the heroes, guessing at who was behind the mask. Honestly, initially I had a thought on who it might be, boy was I wrong. I was so far out that I could’ve guessed Deadpool and I would have been way closer.
Brian Michael Bendis is a superb writer and he continues to prove his credentials in Event Leviathan. Delivering a mysterious whodunit type comic is no easy feat considering the depth of knowledge that a lot of people have in the comic book world. This is the first time i’ve read anything written by Brian but after reading Event Leviathan I will be searching for more to read!
Alex Maleev is a superb comic book artist, his work to me seems to be influenced in some way by Alex Ross. There’s a kind of realism to his work and it is beautiful to behold. I am also very impressed with the shroud of mystery Alex was able to coat over the entire novel with his art. His art and Brian’s writing blend seemlessly. A true treat on the eyes and mind.
Event Leviathan is a comic book version of a classic whodunit movie that’ll keep you on your toes, examining evidence and pausing in confusion as yet another one of your guesses about Leviathan’s identity is proven wrong! Don’t expect an action packed, power soaked battering of characters in huge fight scenes. This collection is all about the mystery. Think the mystery murder on the Orient Express mixed with the diabolical schemes of the ‘big bads’ of James Bond.
“We are Leviathan and tomorrow with your help … We won’t have to imagine a better world…” - Leviathan
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 1 by Kyle Higgins
4.0
Since my childhood I have adored Power Rangers, I remember running around with my friends pretending to be them. I was obviously the green ranger, who wouldn’t choose the Dragonzord! Shamefully this is the first Power Ranger comic I have read and wow it was a good one. I’m kind of gutted I didn’t start sooner.
Following on from the events of Rita Repulsa’s creation of the Green Ranger and his subsequent attack on earth Tommy has joined the power rangers but he is still fighting off Rita’s efforts to manipulate him.
This story was, for me, a superb introduction to the world of Power Ranger comics. It was everything I loved from Power Rangers as a child but with a darker tone. This is the first time i’ve read anything from the group of writers but it most certainly will not be the last. The story is brilliantly written with a lot of excellent panels. The way that the writers are able separate the personalities of each ranger to express their individualities is expertly done. Even the writing of Tommy, feels separate from the ranger team so there's such depth in the storytelling.
The artists do an awesome job in this book. The colours pop as you’d expect from a power rangers comic and the art is beautiful and smooth. The ability to make panels feel like they have a darker tone whilst all the while using a bright colour palette are testament to their skill and the excellent writing.
For fans of Power Rangers, you will not be disappointed if you pick up and read this vol of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, most especially if you're a tommy oliver/green ranger fan like myself. The only downside is that I couldn't hear the tune of the dragon dagger! But they obviously couldn’t help that! Maybe next time!
“You want my power coin, Scorpina? … Come get it!” - Green Ranger
Following on from the events of Rita Repulsa’s creation of the Green Ranger and his subsequent attack on earth Tommy has joined the power rangers but he is still fighting off Rita’s efforts to manipulate him.
This story was, for me, a superb introduction to the world of Power Ranger comics. It was everything I loved from Power Rangers as a child but with a darker tone. This is the first time i’ve read anything from the group of writers but it most certainly will not be the last. The story is brilliantly written with a lot of excellent panels. The way that the writers are able separate the personalities of each ranger to express their individualities is expertly done. Even the writing of Tommy, feels separate from the ranger team so there's such depth in the storytelling.
The artists do an awesome job in this book. The colours pop as you’d expect from a power rangers comic and the art is beautiful and smooth. The ability to make panels feel like they have a darker tone whilst all the while using a bright colour palette are testament to their skill and the excellent writing.
For fans of Power Rangers, you will not be disappointed if you pick up and read this vol of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, most especially if you're a tommy oliver/green ranger fan like myself. The only downside is that I couldn't hear the tune of the dragon dagger! But they obviously couldn’t help that! Maybe next time!
“You want my power coin, Scorpina? … Come get it!” - Green Ranger
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 2 by Kyle Higgins
4.0
Following on from the incredible Vol. 1, we catch up with the rangers just as Rita enacts yet another plan to conquer earth, this time she’s helped by the mysterious Black Dragon.
I adored the first Volume and I was excited to begin reading this follow on. To be honest, I immediately started on this after reading the final page of Vol. 1. The writers once again carry on their delivery of a superb story which will keep you on your toes and frantically trying to work out how the rangers will combat this latest threat.
I won’t go too deeply into it as this is a sequel volume and you need to have read the first in order to truly appreciate it. Artistically you will experience the same quality as in the first edition. Beautiful vibrant colours pitched against darker backgrounds. The emotions in this volume are palpable and I was definitely shocked in regards to how the rangers planned to get out of the mess without Zordon or Alpha.
Stay tuned for my review of Vol. 3 … Coming soon!
“I don’t know what you are or where you’re from, but you just wrecked our home … There’s not a chance in hell we’re surrendering!” - Red Ranger
I adored the first Volume and I was excited to begin reading this follow on. To be honest, I immediately started on this after reading the final page of Vol. 1. The writers once again carry on their delivery of a superb story which will keep you on your toes and frantically trying to work out how the rangers will combat this latest threat.
I won’t go too deeply into it as this is a sequel volume and you need to have read the first in order to truly appreciate it. Artistically you will experience the same quality as in the first edition. Beautiful vibrant colours pitched against darker backgrounds. The emotions in this volume are palpable and I was definitely shocked in regards to how the rangers planned to get out of the mess without Zordon or Alpha.
Stay tuned for my review of Vol. 3 … Coming soon!
“I don’t know what you are or where you’re from, but you just wrecked our home … There’s not a chance in hell we’re surrendering!” - Red Ranger
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Vol. 3 by Kyle Higgins, Steve Orlando
4.0
This series continues to go from strength to strength. In this volume we continue our journey of following the rangers in their mission to defeat Lord Drakkon and Rita Repulsa. With the Rangers still without access to the morphin grid, they must come up with a way to regain their powers.
This volume brings us continued fantastic writing from the brilliant Kyle Higgins and beautiful art by Jon Lam and Hendry Prasetya. They all continue to embody the feel of power rangers all the while keeping the story gritty, interesting and dark. This was more of a filler volume for me, a necessary one though as it’s all about to go crazy in the next volume. We see the story built brick by brick, steadily preparing us for what is to come. And what’s to come is truly special. This is still a must read in order to maintain the story and answer questions that have arisen thus far. Stay with us whilst we read this impeccable Power Rangers run. I can’t wait to hear what you all think about it.
“Two Zords, Three Zords … It makes no difference. I’ll break each of you and take them back for myself.” - Black Dragon
This volume brings us continued fantastic writing from the brilliant Kyle Higgins and beautiful art by Jon Lam and Hendry Prasetya. They all continue to embody the feel of power rangers all the while keeping the story gritty, interesting and dark. This was more of a filler volume for me, a necessary one though as it’s all about to go crazy in the next volume. We see the story built brick by brick, steadily preparing us for what is to come. And what’s to come is truly special. This is still a must read in order to maintain the story and answer questions that have arisen thus far. Stay with us whilst we read this impeccable Power Rangers run. I can’t wait to hear what you all think about it.
“Two Zords, Three Zords … It makes no difference. I’ll break each of you and take them back for myself.” - Black Dragon
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 4 by Kyle Higgins, Ryan Ferrier
5.0
Wow. Wow. Wow. This volume turns the whole series up a notch! It’s in this issue that the Rangers are fighting back. Tommy and Billy begin to settle amongst the coinless whilst the rest of the rangers rally to take back their command centre.
I found myself scrambling for my morpher whilst reading this issue! I so desperately wanted to join the counter-attack! This was easily my favourite issue of this run so far. There was so much nostalgia for me (remember these are my first power ranger comics). The falconzord and Saba had me all giddy! I remember running around pretending to be the white ranger with my toy Saba!
Once again some excellent writing and artistry made sure that I was suitably captivated for the entirity of the volume. I couldn’t put my tablet down, I needed to continue reading no matter what. I will say, I kind of like Lord Drakkon, how cool does he look, I get that he is the baddie but you cant deny that you would have his armour if you could!
Make sure you stay with me as volume five is up next and after this one, it’s surely going to be special! Especially after that cliffhanger...
“All right then. We’re doing this. We’re taking back Billy’s coin, We’re taking back our base,” - Red Ranger
I found myself scrambling for my morpher whilst reading this issue! I so desperately wanted to join the counter-attack! This was easily my favourite issue of this run so far. There was so much nostalgia for me (remember these are my first power ranger comics). The falconzord and Saba had me all giddy! I remember running around pretending to be the white ranger with my toy Saba!
Once again some excellent writing and artistry made sure that I was suitably captivated for the entirity of the volume. I couldn’t put my tablet down, I needed to continue reading no matter what. I will say, I kind of like Lord Drakkon, how cool does he look, I get that he is the baddie but you cant deny that you would have his armour if you could!
Make sure you stay with me as volume five is up next and after this one, it’s surely going to be special! Especially after that cliffhanger...
“All right then. We’re doing this. We’re taking back Billy’s coin, We’re taking back our base,” - Red Ranger
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 5 by Kyle Higgins, Ryan Ferrier
4.0
So this is the final volume I have now and I am highly disappointed for the time being. This volume was another mid way marker between the issues which is indeed used to set up the future volumes which include the notorious ‘Shattered Grid’! This volume sees the rangers tackling more run of the mill worldwide problems rather than piloting the mega zord against gigantic monsters! This is all to try and rebuild the rangers as heroes after the black dragon used the rangers’ zords against society.
Continuing a superb run of form in the writing and art, Might Morphin’ Power Rangers Volume 5 is a brilliant linking point between the first stages of Lord Drakkon’s conquest and Rita’s invasion to her ultimate dispersal and second wave of attacks…
Stay tuned because i will be picking up the next volume as well as the power piece that is Shattered Grid!
“All right then. We’re doing this. We’re taking back Billy’s coin, We’re taking back our base,” - Red Ranger
Continuing a superb run of form in the writing and art, Might Morphin’ Power Rangers Volume 5 is a brilliant linking point between the first stages of Lord Drakkon’s conquest and Rita’s invasion to her ultimate dispersal and second wave of attacks…
Stay tuned because i will be picking up the next volume as well as the power piece that is Shattered Grid!
“All right then. We’re doing this. We’re taking back Billy’s coin, We’re taking back our base,” - Red Ranger
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Shattered Grid by Kyle Higgins
5.0
The greatest story in power ranger history. Well I was always going to say that as the greatest ranger is central to the entire story, that being Tommy Oliver the Green Ranger! Well he is there twice, Lord Drakkon is a twisted version of Tommy who harnesses the power of multiple Rangers! Shattered Grid is an absolutely mammoth story that is stuffed full of multiple versions of Rangers scattered around the dimensions and times but ultimately joined by one thing… the Morphin' grid!
At this point Kyle Higgins is already an absolute legend of power ranger comics and rightly so. The run leading up to this event (Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers) is astounding.
I still remember the first time I watched the evil Tommy storyline during my childhood. I didn’t really understand the gravity of what I was watching, now I do. I was watching the precursor to ‘shattered grid’, the background that will later be linked to Lord Drakkon and his campaign to control the grid. The green ranger is one of my favourite heroes of all time, the Power Rangers breaking of his brainwashing by Rita Repulsa is a classic redemption story. A story that shows kids, and adults alike that even though the situation is bleak, redemption is possible. There is always a way.
Moving forward to ‘shattered grid’ and it is heart-breaking to see just how effective Lord Drakkon, who is ultimately an extreme evil Tommy, is. He takes the mantle of green ranger and shatters the solid reputation good Tommy has built in one swift moment. Lord Drakkon is unfathomably powerful and it shows. The Rangers have to pull out all the stops to protect the grid, the other ranger teams and reality itself.
Kyle and the team deliver the greatest Power Ranger story ever in my opinion. In fact, it may be one of the greatest comics of all time. Out of all of them from any publisher. That’s how good I think this is, that’s how highly I regard this masterpiece of storytelling.
The art team has done a phenomenal job of capturing the essence of the Power Rangers and added a dark and gritty tone! This is Power Rangers like you’ve never seen them before, a team shattered by loss, clinging on to their powers and pulled to every corner of every dimension. The artwork married to this with superb detail, all whilst staying true to the positive, colourful Rangers we know and love!
Shattered grid is the culmination of volumes upon volumes of story that will have you fearful that the Rangers may lose, saddened by loss, full of pride for the little victories and ultimately at the end… well I’ll let you feel that for yourselves.
The Mighty Morphin’ journey and Shattered Grid itself are the results of pure excellence from the creative team. It is a series that I will hold dear for so very long. Shattered Grid is a legendary story that is one of my favourites of all time. Thank you to everyone involved.
“A great evil is rising. War has begun. This threat...Lord Drakkon…He has fractured our reality. Now, he looks to move through worlds...conquering them for his own. If he continues, it will shatter reality and all of existence will end. I come here today, to ask that you--the emissaries three--speak to the morphin' masters. They must intervene.” - Zordon of Eltar
At this point Kyle Higgins is already an absolute legend of power ranger comics and rightly so. The run leading up to this event (Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers) is astounding.
I still remember the first time I watched the evil Tommy storyline during my childhood. I didn’t really understand the gravity of what I was watching, now I do. I was watching the precursor to ‘shattered grid’, the background that will later be linked to Lord Drakkon and his campaign to control the grid. The green ranger is one of my favourite heroes of all time, the Power Rangers breaking of his brainwashing by Rita Repulsa is a classic redemption story. A story that shows kids, and adults alike that even though the situation is bleak, redemption is possible. There is always a way.
Moving forward to ‘shattered grid’ and it is heart-breaking to see just how effective Lord Drakkon, who is ultimately an extreme evil Tommy, is. He takes the mantle of green ranger and shatters the solid reputation good Tommy has built in one swift moment. Lord Drakkon is unfathomably powerful and it shows. The Rangers have to pull out all the stops to protect the grid, the other ranger teams and reality itself.
Kyle and the team deliver the greatest Power Ranger story ever in my opinion. In fact, it may be one of the greatest comics of all time. Out of all of them from any publisher. That’s how good I think this is, that’s how highly I regard this masterpiece of storytelling.
The art team has done a phenomenal job of capturing the essence of the Power Rangers and added a dark and gritty tone! This is Power Rangers like you’ve never seen them before, a team shattered by loss, clinging on to their powers and pulled to every corner of every dimension. The artwork married to this with superb detail, all whilst staying true to the positive, colourful Rangers we know and love!
Shattered grid is the culmination of volumes upon volumes of story that will have you fearful that the Rangers may lose, saddened by loss, full of pride for the little victories and ultimately at the end… well I’ll let you feel that for yourselves.
The Mighty Morphin’ journey and Shattered Grid itself are the results of pure excellence from the creative team. It is a series that I will hold dear for so very long. Shattered Grid is a legendary story that is one of my favourites of all time. Thank you to everyone involved.
“A great evil is rising. War has begun. This threat...Lord Drakkon…He has fractured our reality. Now, he looks to move through worlds...conquering them for his own. If he continues, it will shatter reality and all of existence will end. I come here today, to ask that you--the emissaries three--speak to the morphin' masters. They must intervene.” - Zordon of Eltar
The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
5.0
A tense thrill ride through the eyes of a not so final girl. Grady Hendrix treats us to a story that will hold your attention tightly and not loosen its grip until you have closed the back cover.
The Final Girl Support Group is a modern thriller set post teen slasher movie era. It follows the activities of Lynnette Tarkington and the rest of a group of ‘Final Girls’ belonging to a support group run by Dr Carol Elliott. The premise of following the survivors of your typical slasher horror movie is a very unique and interesting one. It provides a unique mental perspective from the survivors of atrocious crimes and in some cases multiple attacks. Lynette from the beginning seems different to the other final girls and this becomes more and more apparent as the story progresses. Each final girl survived their attackers and all dealt differently with the aftermath. Some went on to become rich beyond their wildest dreams, some went on to become recluses, like Lynette and others turned to drink and/or drugs! They all continued to have one thing in common at the end of the day though and that is that they are Final Girls and more than others clutched to this existence more than others.
This is my first time reading something by Grady Hendrix and I have to say that I am amazed by his writing. It can sometimes take a lot to hold me into a story and many books in my past have been put to the side with me saying “I’ll try that again another time” and subsequently never returning. There were never any worries of that happening with this book. Once I began reading, I was hooked. Grady is masterful with storytelling. Each character has a distinct and interesting personality and backstory that individualises them. Grady doesn’t allow this to isolate aspects of the story or character from it. He maintains connections whilst encouraging individuality and this masks for an incredibly interesting read.
I really enjoyed that at the end of each chapter we got to read some extracts ranging from interview notes, news articles and more. They added a sense of realism into the story.
The story doesn't let up and each chapter increases in quality and in mystery. This book really is one of those ‘just one more chapter’ stories, for me it was more “just 3 more chapters”, and this went up more and more the further I got into the book. I’m a huge fan of thriller/horror books and this is up there as one of the greats for me! If twists, shocks, suspense and addictive characters are your thing, then please give The Final Girl Support Group a read. Grady Hendrix really is one to watch and The Final Girl Support Group will be on the bestsellers list come its release.
“I used to think it was weird that we met surrounded by Sunday school art, but now it’s the first thing I look at every month after checking my sightlines and my exits.” - Lynette Tarkington.
The Final Girl Support Group is a modern thriller set post teen slasher movie era. It follows the activities of Lynnette Tarkington and the rest of a group of ‘Final Girls’ belonging to a support group run by Dr Carol Elliott. The premise of following the survivors of your typical slasher horror movie is a very unique and interesting one. It provides a unique mental perspective from the survivors of atrocious crimes and in some cases multiple attacks. Lynette from the beginning seems different to the other final girls and this becomes more and more apparent as the story progresses. Each final girl survived their attackers and all dealt differently with the aftermath. Some went on to become rich beyond their wildest dreams, some went on to become recluses, like Lynette and others turned to drink and/or drugs! They all continued to have one thing in common at the end of the day though and that is that they are Final Girls and more than others clutched to this existence more than others.
This is my first time reading something by Grady Hendrix and I have to say that I am amazed by his writing. It can sometimes take a lot to hold me into a story and many books in my past have been put to the side with me saying “I’ll try that again another time” and subsequently never returning. There were never any worries of that happening with this book. Once I began reading, I was hooked. Grady is masterful with storytelling. Each character has a distinct and interesting personality and backstory that individualises them. Grady doesn’t allow this to isolate aspects of the story or character from it. He maintains connections whilst encouraging individuality and this masks for an incredibly interesting read.
I really enjoyed that at the end of each chapter we got to read some extracts ranging from interview notes, news articles and more. They added a sense of realism into the story.
The story doesn't let up and each chapter increases in quality and in mystery. This book really is one of those ‘just one more chapter’ stories, for me it was more “just 3 more chapters”, and this went up more and more the further I got into the book. I’m a huge fan of thriller/horror books and this is up there as one of the greats for me! If twists, shocks, suspense and addictive characters are your thing, then please give The Final Girl Support Group a read. Grady Hendrix really is one to watch and The Final Girl Support Group will be on the bestsellers list come its release.
“I used to think it was weird that we met surrounded by Sunday school art, but now it’s the first thing I look at every month after checking my sightlines and my exits.” - Lynette Tarkington.