willowtree7's reviews
252 reviews

Wet Moon 20th Anniversary Omnibus Vol. 1 by Sophie Campbell

adventurous emotional funny medium-paced

3.0

I really enjoyed this collection of Wet Moon comics. I found it hard to get into and struggled to connect with the characters enough to keep reading, but I pushed through. 

If I had been a fan of the comics prior to reading the 20th anniversary edition, I would probably have loved seeing it all in one omnibus volume. However, reading them for the first time with this edition I didn't find myself enjoying it as much. 

The characters are all flawed and have their own growth throughout the story. The art style does convey the story well, however, it's just not my style. 

If you are a fan of Wet Moon already, this omnibus edition is a must read. If you aren't sure if it's worth picking up, I'd still recommend giving it a go - it's full of all things queer, romance, friendship, hardship, and growth. This one was just not for me!

The Secret Lives of Candy Hearts by Tommy Siegel

funny fast-paced

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

3.0

This was a good collection of silly little one pane comics about candy hearts. The story of each pane is told through the text on the hearts. The art style was visually appealing, but overall this wasn't for me. It would likely make a good coffee table book. 

Hungry Heart by Jem Milton

emotional lighthearted medium-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

5.0

This was such a cute little squishy romantic graphic novel. I really loved the characterisation of each character, the way the connection between characters was displayed, and the art style used to depict each character. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and loved the complexities it showed of celebrity and how it can impact people and their enjoyment of their world. 

Highly recommend!

The Well by Jon Allen

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

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

4.5

I was a little put off with the number of pages to start, but once I got going, I couldn’t put it down! The characters are simply drawn but really captivating. Their individual unique personalities really work with each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this and would happily read a sequel if one was to happen! Highly recommend if you like animals of indeterminate species, lighthearted spookies, and office mysteries.

Mika and the Howler Vol. 1 by Agata Loth-Ignaciuk

adventurous funny lighthearted 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

4.0

I really enjoyed this silly little goofy kids book! It took the imagination of childlike innocence and applied it to a real situation young kids can find themselves in. The art style is captivating and adds to the cute, childlike nature of the story. 
This one is definitely one to get for your young person who is starting to explore the world around them to show how every day situations that appear scary aren't all that scary afterall! Definitely recommend. 

Soma by Fernando Llor

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Thanks to NetGalley and OniPress for an ARC of this graphic novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the wild and wacky elements of the story. The main character is going through a creative breakdown when an alien creature appears to her, while her best friend is having a romantic struggle. 

I loved the art style as it added to the story and made it visually appealing. I liked the weird twists and turns that appeared as it matches my sense of amusement. 

This novel is a great read for the weird and wonderful folks who enjoy weird and wonderful stories. I can't wait to give this another read upon its release!

Dreamover by Dani Diaz

adventurous emotional hopeful 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

4.5

Thanks to NetGalley and Top Shelf Comix for the ARC of this graphic novel. 

This is such a cute wee graphic novel about a first middle school/high school romance. I really loved the nostalgic nod back to the early 2000’s technology and communication. Dani really captures the essence of a first love in the early stages of high school and how easily it is to become infatuated with a person to the point of accidentally forgetting everyone else around you. 

Nico and Amber are the epitome of little emo boyfriend with high energy sunshine girlfriend. Such a cute, feel good story. Highly recommend!

It's Lonely at the Centre of the Earth by Zoe Thorogood

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

5.0

I finished this book 10 days ago and have let it sit with me before reviewing. I got a copy of this book through NetGalley and thoroughly appreciate getting the opportunity to read and review it. Zoe’s art style captures a really dark period of time in her life in a way that brings you in along for the journey. She has a variety of styles for drawing herself, and uses them to show many facets of herself. 
This book was an incredible read while also being tough to get through. Real life can sometimes be tough, and I respect that Zoe didn’t water any of that down but kept all the rough, raw edges to this period in her life. 

Cemetery Kids Don't Die Vol. 1 by Daniel Irizarri, Zac Thompson, Brittany Peer

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this graphic novel! I really enjoyed the story telling throughout this graphic novel and how it brought to life a new kind of gaming. While the horror aspects would be more terrifying in a real gaming situation, the horror is not as horrifying on the page. 
While the main story arc for this edition has ended quite nicely, I’m curious to see what they could do next with this. As it is a volume 1, I assume we’ll see what’s next soon!

Merry-Go-Round by Sergio Rossi

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

I liked the cyclical aspect of the chapters, but overall the storyline was ok. Good read