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fareehareads's reviews
121 reviews
The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
4.0
Solid 4 stars for me. This author certainly has a gift for writing characters that defy physical form and ache longingly for their beloved. This story is filled with magic, lesbians, sisterhood, and nature elements taking on a visceral role in the world. It reminded me of so many different folk stories and old classic tales told through rhymes and riddles. Honestly my only complaint is that it wasn't longer.
Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts by Rebecca Hall
5.0
Dr. Rebecca Hall wrote this comic along with illustrator Hugo Martinez as part memoir, part historical fiction. It is perfect for fans of fans of The Deep by Rivers Solomon, Parable of the Sower (the graphic novel edition), Maus by Art Spiegelman, or even Hot Comb by Ebony Flowers.
We follow Dr. Hall, a historian that is researching the often lost parts of the transatlantic slave trade: revolts. Her research takes her to different cities across the country and to Europe and as she follows threads across archived court documents and cases with details about women who lead revolts on slave ships. Most of them would be a footnote or referenced once then never again. Dr. Hall uses this research to create a story of two women who may have lead one of these revolts.
Since this was a Black historian's perspective, a lot of the comic would show just how painful it was to read some of the records. At a certain point, Dr. Hall's character in the story takes a break from reading about this dehumanizing system that persisted for so many years. It becomes clear that certain aspects of the history are not just erased, they're told in a way that intentionally hides information, especially on the topic of revolution.
This type of work is essential in a world that still has a prison industrial system and is constantly reshaping US history in early education every year. If we don't know the history of revolution during the transatlantic slave trade, many of which were started by women according to Dr. Hall's conclusions, then how can we fight against today's oppression fully? Lost histories don't contain all the answers, but they certainly show patterns.
The comic was packed with research, was very accessible, and was just compelling storytelling. I read it all in just one sitting. I need every single person with even a remote interest in US history to read this! Easily a 5 star read.
We follow Dr. Hall, a historian that is researching the often lost parts of the transatlantic slave trade: revolts. Her research takes her to different cities across the country and to Europe and as she follows threads across archived court documents and cases with details about women who lead revolts on slave ships. Most of them would be a footnote or referenced once then never again. Dr. Hall uses this research to create a story of two women who may have lead one of these revolts.
Since this was a Black historian's perspective, a lot of the comic would show just how painful it was to read some of the records. At a certain point, Dr. Hall's character in the story takes a break from reading about this dehumanizing system that persisted for so many years. It becomes clear that certain aspects of the history are not just erased, they're told in a way that intentionally hides information, especially on the topic of revolution.
This type of work is essential in a world that still has a prison industrial system and is constantly reshaping US history in early education every year. If we don't know the history of revolution during the transatlantic slave trade, many of which were started by women according to Dr. Hall's conclusions, then how can we fight against today's oppression fully? Lost histories don't contain all the answers, but they certainly show patterns.
The comic was packed with research, was very accessible, and was just compelling storytelling. I read it all in just one sitting. I need every single person with even a remote interest in US history to read this! Easily a 5 star read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, and Colonisation
Moderate: Genocide, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, and Rape
Ghost Roast by Shawnelle Gibbs, Shawneé Gibbs
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I love a good paranatural ghost busting story. The art style is literally my favorite combo, simplistic yet detailed in expressions and backgrounds. It felt so warm and cozy, I found myself taking a minute to admire so many pages. Especially the nature panels, I was so shocked at the detail, it really looked like a painting at times. As for the plot itself, the pacing was already well done even though I kept getting frustrated that she wasn't telling her dad she could see ghosts. Like I get why but I was still frustrated on her behalf whenever she got in trouble lol. Also the details with the character design before figuring out Oliver's ancestry, he really did look so much like his aunt, I usually never can tell in comics but the artist did a great job
Another element I liked was yhe library research scene, it was actually so fun, I've really been loving stories that include archival research. Overall great comic, will definitely look into the writers and illustrator!
Another element I liked was yhe library research scene, it was actually so fun, I've really been loving stories that include archival research. Overall great comic, will definitely look into the writers and illustrator!
Kirby's Lessons for Falling (in Love) by Laura Gao
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Thank you netgalley and Harperalley Books for a copy of this comic.
I've really been enjoying Laura Gao's work. This coming of age story is full of heart, following Kirby Tan, a girl with a lot of pressure and anxiety from her grief stricken family, her overbearing church aunts, her struggles with internalized homophobia stemming from church, a strained relationship with her mother, to the woes of having a crush on a girl in the school's journalism club. I really liked how this story showed all the different aspects of her life as one large beating heart rather than these separate parts, it made it feel like a much more grounded story than other YA graphics I've read. Every character was so wonderful to meet.
Kirby is on hiatus from her rock climbing passion after an injury, and joins the journalism club to have something to do and somehow, starts a love advice column for the club along with her crush. It leads to way more than Kirby ever expected. Not only do we get to see her grow confident in expressing her feelings to her friends and crush, we also get to see her relationship to her mother transform as she becomes more honest with herself. I highly recommend checking it out when it releases!
I've really been enjoying Laura Gao's work. This coming of age story is full of heart, following Kirby Tan, a girl with a lot of pressure and anxiety from her grief stricken family, her overbearing church aunts, her struggles with internalized homophobia stemming from church, a strained relationship with her mother, to the woes of having a crush on a girl in the school's journalism club. I really liked how this story showed all the different aspects of her life as one large beating heart rather than these separate parts, it made it feel like a much more grounded story than other YA graphics I've read. Every character was so wonderful to meet.
Kirby is on hiatus from her rock climbing passion after an injury, and joins the journalism club to have something to do and somehow, starts a love advice column for the club along with her crush. It leads to way more than Kirby ever expected. Not only do we get to see her grow confident in expressing her feelings to her friends and crush, we also get to see her relationship to her mother transform as she becomes more honest with herself. I highly recommend checking it out when it releases!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Monstress, Vol. 4: The Chosen by Sana Takeda, Marjorie Liu
This volume really sets up what's to come as a war is brewing between the arcanics & humans. We learn about Maika's father, a power hungry Halfwolf that clearly has ulterior motives as he meets his daughter and attempts to get her to join his cause. Maika learns more about her companion Zinn, and continues to really hate everyone's terrible decisions around her as there is clearly an overarching godess sized problem coming for all of the races that are warring. By the end, Maika, Ren, Kippa, Corvin and Vihn have formed somewhat of an alliance for this fight against the gods. Also Tuya continues to be the most confusing and morally questionable character in this whole story. Maika still has no idea she's the Baroness and has betrayed her, been tricking her, and is fully married to her creepy aunt. So many layers to how fucked up their relationship is, I can't wait to see their "reunion".
Monstress, Vol. 3: Haven by Sana Takeda, Marjorie Liu
First of all, the growing bond between Maika and Zinn is actually like so entertaining to watch, they're so similar sometimes. Kippa remains the moral grounding of this entire story and I'm so sad she's been abducted, I have a feeling this won't be the last time. The female tiger/shark pirate characters are DOING SOMETHING TO ME I love the design so much. The plot thickens as Maika continues to change as she discovers more about her lineage and the first Halfwolf. Ren continues to be kinda shady and I have a feeling after this last betrayal with Kippa missing, we'll see him turn around a bit. Maika's kill count just like quadrupled in one go, so that doesn't bode well for her trajectory as my fav lesbian protagonist (I defend her to the death tho) We'll see how this goes !
Soma by Fernando Llor
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
4.5
Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for an advance copy of this title for review!
This was possibly my favorite read of the month. It follows a full-time comic artist named Maya who is going through the motions at her job and reaching an artistic block. She rarely leaves the house except to check in on her best friend Juu and his constant romantic woes. One day a strange little creature crashes through her living room window and thus begins a journey between Maya and the little intruder, Soma, who team up together to save the world from alien invasion. The perspective shots, the colors, the animated expressions and fluid motion between the panels, every part of this comic is so well illustrated and was genuinely inspiring to read. The message itself was also a sweet one by the end. I would highly recommend it to fans of choose your own adventure stories, or general fantasy fans.
This was possibly my favorite read of the month. It follows a full-time comic artist named Maya who is going through the motions at her job and reaching an artistic block. She rarely leaves the house except to check in on her best friend Juu and his constant romantic woes. One day a strange little creature crashes through her living room window and thus begins a journey between Maya and the little intruder, Soma, who team up together to save the world from alien invasion. The perspective shots, the colors, the animated expressions and fluid motion between the panels, every part of this comic is so well illustrated and was genuinely inspiring to read. The message itself was also a sweet one by the end. I would highly recommend it to fans of choose your own adventure stories, or general fantasy fans.
Outdrawn by Deanna Grey
Ahh this was so cuteeee.
I love reading about artists and I rarely find stories about sapphic webcomic artists specifically. It was so sweet the way Noah and Sage's relationship grew, their dynamic was adorable. Also all the real shit they both had to deal with in their own lives really grounded the story. The audio experience was really fun. I have no idea when I'll get around to a romance book next, but this was really enjoyable. Would definitely recommend.
I love reading about artists and I rarely find stories about sapphic webcomic artists specifically. It was so sweet the way Noah and Sage's relationship grew, their dynamic was adorable. Also all the real shit they both had to deal with in their own lives really grounded the story. The audio experience was really fun. I have no idea when I'll get around to a romance book next, but this was really enjoyable. Would definitely recommend.
Monstress, Vol. 2: The Blood by Marjorie Liu
Vol 2: We follow Maika as she seeks answers about the mysterious circumstances around her mother's death. She is still haunted by the memory of her mother, the life she had before the war, and the friend she left behind. By now, we know that her old friend Tuya is actually the Baroness of the Last Dusk and is currently hunting Maika down, but Maika doesn't know about this betrayal yet. We meet Seizi who is, at this point, the only character that genuinely cares about Maika's well-being since he raised her like his own goddess daughter, it was kind of endearing to see she had some semblance of family despite her clearly fucked up past. (Also young Maika was so cute, her mom was such a bitch) We learn a bit more about Zinn, the monster inside of her who seems just as lost as she does, they really mirror each other in ways that feel like it'll be important to the story later. We learn about Maika's lineage as she visits an isle in the mist that has more questions than answers (and a very annoying blood fox). I'm loving the pacing so far, the companion characters definitely add some levity to an ultimately gritty journey as Maika continues to eat people like every other day. Also I must say, nekomancers are just the most clever cat named lore and I love all the interludes we get about the cats. The monsters design was so reminiscent of manga with the eyes and vine-like limbs, I love that we got to see the monsters in full form through memories. Can't wait for more monster battles. Also Tuya is freaking me out and I hope she's actually not evil or something because I don't think our girl can handle more deceit and betrayal. She's barely holding it together.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Abandonment and War
Minor: Child death, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment