Thursday, March 17, 2016

A Few Graphic Novels to Share

TITLE: Spider-Gwen
AUTHOR: Jason Latour, Robbi Rodriquez (artist)
PUBLISHER: Mavel
PUBLISHING DATE: November 17, 2015

FROM GOODREADS: The breakout hit of the biggest Spider-Event of the century is taking the comics world by storm with her own series! Gwen Stacy is Spider-Woman, but you knew that already. What you DON'T know is what friends and foes are waiting for her in the aftermath of Spider-Verse! From the fan-favorite creative team that brought you Spider-Gwen's origin story in EDGE OF SPIDER-VERSE, Jason Latour and Robbie Rodriguez! 

MY THOUGHTS:  I am sure my opinion will probably offend someone, but I didn't really care for this graphic novel at all and more than likely will not be continuing on with the series. I think Spider Gwen is a great concept, and I am all about more females in the superhero world, but I found the first 5 issues combined in this book to be disjointed. They really didn't catch my attention and they certainly didn't hold it. I actually found myself skimming the end just to be done, which I almost never do with graphic novels. I am glad some people are enjoying it, but luckily for me, there is plenty else to read.

RATING: 2 PAWS
 





TITLE: Baba Yaga's Assistant
AUTHOR: Marika McCoola, Emily Carroll (artist)
PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press
PUBLISHING DATE:  August 4, 2015

FROM GOODREADS: ASSISTANT WANTED ASAP
Must have skills in hauling, obeying orders, cooking, and cleaning. Magical talent a bonus. Must be good with heights. Enter Baba Yaga's house to apply.


Most children think twice before braving a haunted wood filled with terrifying beasties to match wits with a witch, but not Masha. Her beloved grandma taught her many things: that stories are useful, that magic is fickle, and that nothing is too difficult or too dirty to clean. The fearsome witch of folklore needs an assistant, and Masha needs an adventure. She may be clever enough to enter Baba Yaga's house on chicken legs, but within its walls, deceit is the rule. To earn her place, Masha must pass a series of tests, outfox a territorial bear, and make dinner for her host. No easy task, with children on the menu!

Wry, spooky and poignant, Marika McCoola's debut--with richly layered art by acclaimed graphic artist Emily Carroll--is a storytelling feat and a visual fest.


MY THOUGHTS:  Cute story and as expected with Emily Carroll being the artist, the graphics were great.  Don't know a lot about the Baba Yaga folklore so this was a good introduction.  Middle grade book would be suitable for any children interested in venturing into the graphic novel world.

RATING: 3 PAWS
 
 

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