This Book Could Be Ours: Saga Volume Two by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples

Saga Volume Two by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples

Second in the Saga Series

Genre: Adult, Graphic Novel, Sci-Fi, Space Opera
Published: 13th June 2013
Publisher: Image Comics
Length: 144 pages
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Brought from my local Comic Store

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From award-winning writer BRIAN K. VAUGHAN (Pride of Baghdad, Ex Machina) and critically acclaimed artist FIONA STAPLES (Mystery Society, Done to Death), SAGA is sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. Thanks to her star-crossed parents Marko and Alana, newborn baby Hazel has already survived lethal assassins, rampaging armies, and horrific monsters, but in the cold vastness of outer space, the little girl encounters her strangest adventure yet... grandparents.

Collects Saga issues #7-12

(I've given up rephrasing blurbs for books I review. From now on all blurbs in Italics are from Goodreads.)

Why did I read this?

There's a reason why Saga is one of the most popular comics out there at the moment. It's quirky, engrossing, thoughtful, funny and full of feeeeeels. After the reading the first volume last year I knew I'd have to revisit this series soon!

What I liked:

The appearance of Marko's parents: I love how this comic now has three generations interacting with one another. I've seldom read anything that has this dynamic. It really adds an extra something to the drama that goes along with being fugitives stuck together on a spaceship.

The cast of characters never seem overwhelming: Vaughn has to balance both the fleeing family and their pursuers, which is not an easy job! Every couple of issues seems to bring another vital character on board. The narrative flow never seems stifled or forced by this. The time we spent with every character feels natural as well as relevant.

Flashbacks: Don't want to spoil too much here; they work so well!

The Artwork: I love the bold, bright colours used to bring each planet alive. I love the diversity of size, shape and race in the characters. Basically I want to cover my room with (nearly) every panel in this graphic novel.

Who might like this?

All Science Fiction and Graphic Novel fans, readers craving something different and exciting as well as people wanting to see a humorous, realistic portrayal of a multi-generational relationship.

Final Thoughts:

Maybe I should have waited until this series was finished so I could binge read it all at once... Oh well, I'm in it until the end! Now, where's the next volume for me to read??

Any other Saga fans out there? Or graphic novel lovers? 

This Book could be Ours (6): Captain Marvel Volume One: Further, Higher, Faster, More by Kelly Sue deConnick and David Lopez

Captain Marvel Volume One: Further, Higher, Faster, More by Kelly Sue deConnick and David Lopez

First in Captain Marvel: Marvel Now! Series
Genre: Adult, Graphic Novel
Published: 21st October 2014
Publisher: Marvel
Length: 136 pages
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: My local comic store

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Hero! Pilot! Avenger! Captain Marvel, Earth's Mightiest Hero with an attitude to match, is back and launching headfirst into an all-new ongoing adventure! As Captain Marvel, a.k.a. Carol Danvers, comes to a crossroads with a new life and new romance, she makes a dramatic decision that will alter the course of her life - and the entire Marvel Universe - in the months to come. But as Carol takes on a mission to return an alien girl to her homeworld, she lands in the middle of an uprising against the Galactic Alliance! Investigating the forced resettlement of Rocket Girl's people, Carol discovers that she has a history with the man behind the plot. But when the bad guy tries to blackmail Carol and turn the Avengers against her, it's payback time! Guest-starring the Guardians of the Galaxy!

COLLECTING: CAPTAIN MARVEL 1-6

(I've given up rephrasing blurbs for books I review. From now on all blurbs in Italics are from Goodreads.)

Why did I read this?

I wanted to find out more about the first woman planned to star in a film set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Bring it on 2018!!

What I liked:

Carol Danvers: Guys, Captain Marvel such a strong, badass, confident woman complete with realistic flaws. I love that Connick has shown that despite being a powerful superhero Danvers is 'only human'. For example the latter struggles to soothe one character and argues hotly with another over a minor matter. Her powers (which include staggering strength, the ability to fly and being able to shoot photonic blasts from her hands) are AWESOME and I love that she goes into space to find herself.

The Guardians of the Galaxy Cameo: I read this book about two weeks after first seeing Guardians of the Galaxy, so it was interesting comparing the same characters from two different medians. Starlord is a bit more mature and seemed to be slightly more of a stereotypical Marvel superhero leader. I'm happy to report that Rocket is as hilarious as ever. Sadly Gamora, Drax and Groot barely featured, so I might go and check out the latest run of Guardians of the Galaxy Comics to read more about them.

What didn't work so much for me:

This wasn't the story I wanted to read: When I brought this book, I didn't realise it was a soft reboot of the previous Captain Marvel series which launched with In Pursuit of Flight in 2011. I thought the book was going to cover briefly what she was doing before she gained her superpowers, how she dealt with them at first and then her gradual growth into being a superhero. The most I got was a one page summary of her origin at the end of the first issue.

Now, let me make it absolutely clear. I found absolutely nothing wrong with the book itself. The story is solid, the art is amazing and it's a lot of fun to read. Not knowing about Captain Marvel's character origin in depth does not in any way hurt the experience of reading this book. I believe the Marvel Cinematic Universe is no longer doing character origin films either. Guardians of the Galaxy wasn't a character origin film and I'd be one of the first to say it's stunning. My preconception of what the book was going to be was the only reason I went away not feeling quite satisfied. 

Who might like this?

Those curious to see who Captain Marvel is before 2018 who are not looking for a full blown origin story would love this book!

Final Thoughts:

This book was fun despite not being exactly what I was looking for. I think I would personally benefit from going back to read In Pursuit of Flight before reading Volume 2: Stay Fly, the latter which is coming out this April.

Do you have any thoughts on Captain Marvel?

This Book could be Ours (1): Hawkeye Volume One: My Life as a Weapon by Matt Fraction, David Aja and Javier Pulido

Hawkeye Volume One: My Life as a Weapon by Matt Fraction, David Aja and Javier Pulido
First in the Hawkeye Marvel NOW! run
Genres: Graphic Novel, Adult Fiction
Published: 19th March 2013
Publisher: Marvel
Length: 136 pages
Format: Trade Paperback Kindle Ebook
Source: Brought from Kindle Amazon

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What does Clint Barton do when not being superhero Hawkeye for The Avengers? Get into trouble whilst helping others of course! Follow Clint's misadventures aided by fellow Hawkeye Kate Bishop.

Why did I read this?

I've been wanting to try out a current Marvel comic series for a while now, but didn't know where to start. After reading up on Panels, I decided My Life as a Weapon was a good place to start, due to critical acclaim and knowing from The Avengers who Clint Barton is.

What I liked:

Clint Barton: I really don't know what I was expecting from the hero. I mean, he didn't really have a big part in The Avengers - pretty much all we saw was him being brainwashed! Maybe I expected a hint of sass Ironman style? 

In retrospect this quality would have greatly impaired Barton's character. His outward stoic, tough, in usually in control nature contrasts well with his sometimes insecure thoughts, reminding the reader that although he's an Avenger, he's only human.

I also liked the hints of Barton's back story Fraction gave, like that this Hawkeye grew up in a circus. These little tidbits made me want to delve into Barton's other appearances in comics.

Kate Bishop: I can't believe there's a female Hawkeye that I previously knew nothing about! She's just as skilled using a bow and an arrow and does she do so! I love her sharp one-liners and dedication to helping her counterpart. I love that the two Hawkeyes share the series focus equally. The last issue of this trade paperback shows Bishop's and Barton's first meeting, as well as a glimpse into The Young Avengers. Again, the hints at Kate's past enticed me to read up on it.

The artwork: In one word it is STUNNING! Aja's covers for each issue are brilliant in all their stark geometrical glory. Pulido's artwork suits the story's tone perfectly in its sketchy outlines of people, objects and muted colours, with the obvious exception of purple. The touches of this colour popped out effectively, highlighting the Hawkeyes' in their surroundings. I now immediately associate the colour purple with this series.

Who might like this?

Newbie comic readers like me looking for a familiar character to follow at the start of a new series. Familiar comic readers would also enjoy this trade paperback for its well defined characterisation, and gorgeous artwork.

Final Thoughts:

A wonderful read! I'm looking forward to reading Volumes Two and Three very soon.

2015 Graphic Novels and Manga Reading Challenge: My Master List

I've gotten into Graphic Novels and Manga in the last couple of years - easily one of the best decisions I've ever made reading wise. I'm looking forward to catching up with existing series and discovering new ones in 2015.

But there's so many zillion books from other genres out there to tempt me. I'm so easily distracted...
Which is why I'm signing up for the 8th annual Graphic Novel and Manga Reading Challenge hosted by Nicola at her blog of the same name.

I'm aiming for the Bronze Age Level: to read and review 24 books during the year. If all goes to plan, that's roughly 2 Graphic Novels and/or Manga a month.

Here's my rough TBR idea list for the challenge - it's very liable to change:

* = Not yet released

• Ms Marvel Volume 2: Generation Why* by G. Willow Wilson, Jacob Wyatt and Adrian Alphona
• She Hulk Volume 2: Disorderly Conduct* by Charles Soule and Javier Pulido
• Saga Volumes 2 - 4 by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples
• Batgirl Volumes 3 - 5 by Gail Simone and Various Illustrators 
• Seconds by Bryan Lee O'Malley
• Hawkeye Volume 1: My Life as a Weapon by Matt Fraction, David Aja, Javier Pulido and Alan Davis
• A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel Volumes 2 and 3 by Daniel Abraham and Tommy Patterson
• Sandman Volumes 2 -12 by Neil Gaiman and Various Illustrators
• Chew Volumes 3 - 9* by John Layman and Rob Guillory
• Captain Marvel Volume 1: Higher, Further, Faster, More by Kelly Sue DeConnick and David Lopez
• The Hedge Knight: The Graphic Novel by George RR Martin, Ben Avery and Mike S. Miller
• Library Wars: Love and Wars Volumes 5 - 14 by Kiiro Yumi and Hiro Arikawa
• Ouran High School Host Club Volumes 3 - 18 by Bisco Hatori 
• Dawn of the Arcana Volume 1 by Rei Toma
• Black Butler Volume 1 by Yana Toboso and Komo Kimura
• Midnight Secretary Volume 1 by Tomu Ohmi

Are you interested in Graphic Novels and/or Manga?