emmaj_xo's reviews
77 reviews

Batgirls Vol. 3: Girls to the Front by Michael W. Conrad, Robbi Rodriguez, Becky Cloonan, Rico Renzi

adventurous fast-paced

4.0

I’ve just finished reading issue 19. This has been my favourite series in a while and I’m gutted it’s ended. Need more StephCass in my life. 

Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy by Jody Houser

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

I didn’t read this at the time of release because I didn’t like how DC was handling their relationship or Ivy’s character in general. This book obviously wasn’t what Harlivy fans wanted so not sure who it’s for? Art and colours are absolutely gorgeous, love Ivy’s whole look in this. And I love the tender moments between them, however undermined they are at the end. 

Heroes in Crisis by Tom King, Clay Mann

2.0

Oh god, so much wasted potential. A book about the mental health and trauma of superheroes ends on the entire that an individual’s mental breakdown makes them a danger to others? It undermines the whole premise. Clay Mann’s art is gorgeous and there are a couple of moments of note, particular Harley’s friendship with Batgirl and their bond over shared trauma. Always here for Harlivy too. An important read for Poison Ivy completionists but not an essential read for DC fans.

The Foundling by Stacey Halls

emotional tense fast-paced

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

4.0

With its complex characters and gut-wrenching mystery at the centre, this drew me in and was a compulsive read. Had 5 star potential until the ending, I wasn’t fully convinced. But would recommend to anyone looking for great character driven historical fiction.

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Disappointed since I loved The Secret Garden so much, and the Cuarón A Little Princess was one of my absolute favourites when I was little. Does pull at the heart strings but maybe this is one best enjoyed but younger audiences.

Poison Ivy Vol. 2: Unethical Consumption by Marcio Takara, G. Willow Wilson, Arif Prianto

3.5

Feels like more of the Ivy I know and love in this arc. The Harlivy reunion was beautiful too.

Poison Ivy, Volume 1: The Virtuous Cycle by G. Willow Wilson

3.0

There are some choices I don’t love. Making Ivy a carnivore makes zero sense when you consider the impact of factory farming on the planet. I also understand that we’re dealing with the aftermath of heroes in crisis and Fear State here but the undoing of Ivy’s character development towards anti hero over the last couple of years has been disappointing. I’m glad that the ending of this arc at least hints to things changing for her. 

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A great Summer read, exciting and interesting to learn more about the InGen incident and the science behind it. Ending felt like a bit of an afterthought for me, like he didn’t know how to wrap it up. But look forward to picking up The Lost World.

Dark Knights of Steel Vol. 1 by Tom Taylor

4.0

Super immersive world, and I’m obsessed with Forest Witch Ivy. Art is gorgeous and a fitting style for the series.

DC vs. Vampires Vol. 2 by Matthew Rosenberg, James Tynion IV

3.0

Didn’t love how this ended, but was a fun read for the most part.