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fareehareads's reviews
125 reviews
Yojimbot - Part 1 by Sylvain Repos
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
4.0
This comic follows a Hideo and his son Hiro on the run on robot infested island. The artwork is really fun and the pacing of the comic kept it fun the entire way through. My only complaint is that Hero was the only human who could speak, as all the robot characters didn't have the ability so we really just followed the one character. It would have been cool to see more from the robots who felt very human at times, especially with how fiercely they protected Hiro. Overall this was a really strong first volume, I would definitely pick up the next one in this series.
Strange Bedfellows by Ariel Slamet Ries
5.0
This comic was my first read for the Trans Rights Readathon and easily my first 5 star comic of the year. Wow. I am familiar with this cartoonist's work, I read Witchy many years ago when it was just starting out as a webcomic, so it was really nice to see how this artist has progressed.
It takes place on an alien planet where people are born with abilities that ultimately determine their future and lifestyle. Our mc wasn't born with abilities like the rest of his family and after experiencing an embarrassing and very public event, he secludes himself and doesn't even reach out to his siblings, family, or old friends for help. His story was endearing, the plot was entertaining, and no panel felt wasted. Oberon and his ghostly companion were really the heart of it. My only critique would be that the world building at times felt as if it was more fleshed out to the artist than it was to the reader. There would be points when something specific to the world would be brought up without explanation and it didn't seem to harm or help the page. I just let myself be confused during those panels, but honestly, the story would have been fine without them.
A strength of this story is definitely the character relationships, especially when Oberon was reconnecting with friends or had fights with their older sibling, all of those interactions left the reader wanting to learn more about the backstory and I felt like that was a really effective way to show strained relationships in a comic like this. The twist in the last act was also really good, it's hard to do those in comics and it was really well worth it for that ending. I'll keep it intentionally vague. I definitely recommend it.
It takes place on an alien planet where people are born with abilities that ultimately determine their future and lifestyle. Our mc wasn't born with abilities like the rest of his family and after experiencing an embarrassing and very public event, he secludes himself and doesn't even reach out to his siblings, family, or old friends for help. His story was endearing, the plot was entertaining, and no panel felt wasted. Oberon and his ghostly companion were really the heart of it. My only critique would be that the world building at times felt as if it was more fleshed out to the artist than it was to the reader. There would be points when something specific to the world would be brought up without explanation and it didn't seem to harm or help the page. I just let myself be confused during those panels, but honestly, the story would have been fine without them.
A strength of this story is definitely the character relationships, especially when Oberon was reconnecting with friends or had fights with their older sibling, all of those interactions left the reader wanting to learn more about the backstory and I felt like that was a really effective way to show strained relationships in a comic like this. The twist in the last act was also really good, it's hard to do those in comics and it was really well worth it for that ending. I'll keep it intentionally vague. I definitely recommend it.
Dust Settles North by Deena ElGenaidi
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you Bindery for an advance copy of this title.
I really enjoyed this novel. It was such an intimate glimpse into grief, identity, and desire through a pair of siblings that were just going through it in every possible way. The novel brought up culture, faith, the 3rd culture kid experience, revolution, and politics in a way that felt so natural. Both characters were able to convey that guilt that is difficult to put into words but seeps into every aspect of you when a family expectation or societal expectation isn't met. Zain was busy grappling with his inner world in America while Hannah was trying to ground herself to her outer world in Egypt. They kept making bad decisions and stumbled through their fraught relationships, but it was endearing to meet and know their story.
The perpetual outsider narrative has been done many times in stories similar to this and each one, in my opinion, stitches a tapestry together of a cultural experience that can never fully be completed. These stories are typically written by children of immigrants rather than the immigrant parent or grandparent themselves and so, there will always be gaps and incomplete spaces. Some are due to generational gaps, the violent nature of colonization, suppression of dissent, and language barriers. So many immigrant stories are lost or misinterpreted and I appreciated that in this one, there are efforts to bridge that gap. This isn't just a story about siblings experiencing grief, it's also a haunting of a life that never was. Their mother was perpetually present and when we do briefly have her perspective, it's when she's young and in Egypt and about to change her entire life. There is a wisp of her life on the page and I loved the parallels between her and her daughter. Hannah being a part of demonstrations like she was when she was young was a really full circle moment. The ending did feel a bit too 'and then they all got along the end' but overall, I wasn't mad at where it left off. I could talk about this novel for a long time so I am going to leave it there for you to pick up and see for yourself. Definitely recommend picking this one up when it releases.
I really enjoyed this novel. It was such an intimate glimpse into grief, identity, and desire through a pair of siblings that were just going through it in every possible way. The novel brought up culture, faith, the 3rd culture kid experience, revolution, and politics in a way that felt so natural. Both characters were able to convey that guilt that is difficult to put into words but seeps into every aspect of you when a family expectation or societal expectation isn't met. Zain was busy grappling with his inner world in America while Hannah was trying to ground herself to her outer world in Egypt. They kept making bad decisions and stumbled through their fraught relationships, but it was endearing to meet and know their story.
The perpetual outsider narrative has been done many times in stories similar to this and each one, in my opinion, stitches a tapestry together of a cultural experience that can never fully be completed. These stories are typically written by children of immigrants rather than the immigrant parent or grandparent themselves and so, there will always be gaps and incomplete spaces. Some are due to generational gaps, the violent nature of colonization, suppression of dissent, and language barriers. So many immigrant stories are lost or misinterpreted and I appreciated that in this one, there are efforts to bridge that gap. This isn't just a story about siblings experiencing grief, it's also a haunting of a life that never was.
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, Colonisation
Moderate: Genocide, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, 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, 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".