A Few Graphic Novel Catch-Ups

Today I wanted to share with you my thoughts on a few graphic novels I've read this month.  As both are part of a series, it's hard to share a lot without giving a lot of way.  However, I will say these series are some of my favorites and I will most definitely continue following them.

TITLE: Chew. Vol 5 - Major League

AUTHOR: John Layman & Rob Guillory

PUBLISHER: Image Comics

PUBLISHING DATE: April 18, 2012

FROM GOODREADS: Tony Chu - the cibopathic federal agent with the ability to get psychic impressions from what he eats - has been kidnapped! He was ambushed, knocked out, brought to a remote location, and bound securely. His captor intends to feed Tony from a menu of his choosing, to find out what Tony can see, in order to learn from him. His daughter, Olive, has been kidnapped for the exact same reason. Two kidnappers, two captives, and two very different outcomes. 

MY THOUGHTS: So honestly this wasn't my favorite issue so far. Tony has gotten demoted, through no fault of his own, and is now on traffic duty. He then goes missing and while it amazes me that it takes so long for people to realize he is gone, we do get to see the badass side of his girlfriend. The reader also gets to learn more about Tony's daughter, Olive and I have to admit, she is a rather fascinating character. 

As we are knee-deep in the plot by this volume, it's hard to say much and not give a lot away. I do love seeing where Tony's partner ends up after he too is demoted and I will admit, his new partner Buttercup is one of my faves. I will most definitely continue this series, especially since I think my local library basically ordered all of them in after seeing me request them one by one.   

Here is Buttercup 💜💜💜

RATING: 3 PAWS

CHALLENGE: Library Love

TITLE: October Faction Vol. 4 - Deadly Season

AUTHOR: Steve Niles and Damien Worm

PUBLISHER: IDW Publishing

PUBLISHING DATE: July 11, 2017

FROM GOODREADS: Ghouls in the graveyard! Giant Monsters downtown! The Allan family comes face to face with a whole new threat. This one comes from the past and it won't stop until the Allan's are dead.

MY THOUGHTS: In looking back, my ratings for this series have steadily declined since picking up the first volume and as I have finally hit 3/5, I can say I hope the trend stops. I still think "The October Faction" is a strong addition to the graphic novel world and anyone who likes horror is missing something by not giving it a chance. The coloring and artwork remains awesome, but the story seems to be dragging a tad. I really don't want to give much away which is hard considering I read the whole thing in 3o minutes. There are still werewolves, vampires and other monsters - including the human kind. I will continue to look forward to additional installments and will give at least one more volume a chance before signing off permanently.

RATING: 3 PAWS

CHALLENGE: Library Love

Another Awesome Horror Graphic Novel Series

TITLE: The October Faction, Vol. 1
AUTHOR: Steve Niles, Damien Worm
PUBLISHER: IDW Publishing
PUBLISHING DATE: July21, 2015

FROM GOODREADS:  The October Faction details the adventures of retired monster-hunter Frederick Allan and his family... which include a thrill-killer, a witch, and a warlock. Because sometimes crazy is the glue that binds a family together.




MY THOUGHTS: I have accidentally found a new horror graphic novel to love on and the timing couldn't be better. I had to run into my library to pick up a hold the other day and an usual, caught myself in the "new" section. I saw the first three volumes of "The October Faction" and all I needed was to look at one of the covers and I knew all three were headed home with me! "The October Faction" tells the story of a family of misfit/orphan monster hunters. The books provides with witches, warlocks, werewolves and some other characters I am still learning about. The two children in the book want nothing more than to follow in their retired father's footsteps except he is now a renowned professor of monstrumology and wants nothing to do with his old business. Does that change? You betcha! However, you have to read to find out. 

The artwork in this book is dark, creepy and glorious. And the writing just strikes a cord with me. At one point, someone in the book is killed rather unexpected and the perp's comment was something to the effect of "I was going to have to kill him eventually so why drag it out?" An attitude I can understand - not that I'm a killer or anything :) 

So basically everyone - go get this book. NOW!!!!!

RATING: 5 PAWS

I Think My Detective Skills Are Improving - Bad to the Bone Review

TITLE: Bad to the Bone (Barkery and Biscuits Mystery #3)
AUTHOR: Linda O. Johnston
PUBLISHER: Midnight Ink
PUBLISHING DATE: May 8, 2017

FROM GOODREADS:  Veterinary technician Carrie Kennersly, owner of the Barkery & Biscuits bakery for dogs, is reluctant to sell her recipes to pet food manufacturer VimPets. Jack Loroco, a VimPets representative, assures Carrie that it would be a great opportunity to grow her business. His promising new relationship with Carrie's friend, Billi Matlock, doesn't hurt his cause. But the budding romance takes a bad turn when Wanda Addler, another VimPets employee, sets her sights on Jack.

After threatening to ruin Jack's career if he doesn't give her what she wants, Wanda is found dead. Jack and Billi are put at the top of the suspect list, and Carrie is doggone determined to rescue them from a life behind bars.

MY THOUGHTS: 
After pondering this book for a few days, I've had to change my rating but don't worry, that doesn't mean that it's not an enjoyable read and it's still a cozy series I will continue to follow. In "Bad to the Bone," Carrie is still being courted by VimPet, an elite pet food manufacturer, to share some of her healthy recipes which will not only help her pay off her business loan sooner, but which will also provide added publicity for her newly opened "barkery." However, the deal is quickly put on hold because one of the execs, who happens to be a mean and manipulative woman no one really likes, turns up dead. Fortunately for Carrie, she isn't a prime suspect in this murder but two of her friends are so once again, she gets right in the middle of her third murder investigation.

I still enjoy the small town setting and many of the characters in this series. I can also say that Carrie no longer seems to be the "man magnet" I mentioned in my review of the first book and her love life has settled down some. That alone was cause for relief on my part because I hate love triangles (or maybe square was the more appropriate analogy). Carrie's dog Biscuit is still a prominent fixture in the book as is Hugo, her boyfriend's dog which is always a plus. However, I'm still having difficulty with the way this book is written. It's told from Carrie's first person perspective and perhaps because of that, I find some of Carrie's thoughts annoying. For example, she keeps wanting to give her employees a raise, which is totally commendable and understandable, but this thought keeps entering her mind and often at times when I feel she should be focusing on other things. It really is hard to explain but if you look at my reviews of the other two books, you might get a clearer idea of the writing style I find problematic. Also, I was able to deduce the identity of the killer early on in the book and while that normally doesn't bother me, I felt it was such a no-brainer that I just wanted everyone else to catch up so it could be over.

I'm sure I'll continue on with this series which I still consider a cute read. However, I didn't feel this installment was as strong as the other two which is why I bumped the rating down to 3/5.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

RATING: 3 PAWS