Miss Annie: Freedom (Book 1)

Title: Miss Annie: Freedom (Book 1)
Author: Frank Le Gall

Illustrator: Flore Balthazar & Robin Doo
Publisher: Graphic Universe

Copyright: 2011

Price: $29.27

ISBN: 978-0-7643-7884-6
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Four month old kitten Miss Annie thinks she’s all grown up. She’s determined to get outside and somehow, someday she will. Until then, she’s going to defend the house (from leaves) and chat with her best friend, a mouse, she dubs Keisha after Sarah’s (one of her humans) best friend. Miss Annie does get outside, only to discover that freedom isn’t exactly what she thought it was.

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Recommended Audience: upper elementary (due to events in book 2)

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Things to be aware of: N/A
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Further Thoughts: This does not compare to Chi. Do not compare to Chi. This is not Chi who is the most adorable kitten to read about.

Ok, since this isn’t Chi, but another import and another title about a kitten, this one is interesting it its own way. It takes a Charlie Brown view of humans (excepting the way they talk) where we only see their feet, and Miss Annie’s observations of her humans are silly, yet enjoyable. She does get into cat antics, but in a way, they are not as numerous as…a real cat’s world it seems. Obviously, Sarah wanted the cat, but she doesn’t seem to care for it like her parents do. Huh.

This is a full color comic, which helps it, although Miss Annie’s patterns change periodically, which confused me. How is she supposed to be? Tuxedo? Just black and white?

Miss Annie: Freedom is an enjoyable title and might strike a chord in fans of Erin Hunter’s Warriors series. The first book mainly sets the stage, while the second book focuses more on what happens to Miss Annie in the world. It is no Chi’s Sweet Home though, especially in appeal. The first volume is accessible to all ages, but as Miss Annie matures, my thought is that it will immediately change into a title more appropriate to upper elementary and fans of the Warriors series.

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Source: Library copy.

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not (My Boyfriend is a Monster 7)

Title: He Loves Me; He Loves Me Not (My Boyfriend is a Monster #7)
Author: Robin Mayhall
Illustrator: Kristen Cella (with others)
Publisher: Graphic Universe (Imprint of Lerner)
Copyright: 2013
Price: $9.95 paperback
ISBN: 978-0-7613-8548-6
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Oh football. For the little town of Rojo, Texas, that is everything. When there is a game, the whole town can be found at the game. Rather, most of the town can be found at the game. New student Serena Stevens is not in the mood to watch football. She misses her old town and hates that her family moved her to a small town. Luckily for her, her best friend from her previous school still talks to her, but she’s the one that convinces Serena to go to the football game that changes Serena’s life.

At the football game, Serena meets Cam, epic smart student who occasionally shows up at school. After that, she meets Lance, the captain of the football team. As the story progresses, Serena starts to date Lance, but begins work on a project about Jekyll and Hyde with Cam. Unfortunately, Lance has a “thing” against Cam and as time goes on Lance gets violent and only wants to focus on football, leaving Serena sad and confused.

Serena's love triangle adds another strong entry in this series with the added bonus of more dialogs from Mr. James and Mr. Barry. See my further thoughts below.
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Recommended Audience: high school
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Things to be aware of: emotional abuse; mild violence;
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Further Thoughts: Finally! Another volume with the strong heroines that drew me into this series. I missed the spunk and sharp wit of the girls and something about volume 8 left a bad taste in my mouth after reading it (review forthcoming).

That’s not to say this volume didn’t make me uncomfortable. When I grabbed this book from our “holds-waiting-to-be-filed,” the person processing holds that day made a comment that she was worried this series was all about boyfriends who were horrible to their girlfriends, like emotionally or physically abused. I assured her this was not the case and then read this one at lunch.

WEEEELLLL. It does have emotional abuse it in, which is very interesting, yet it is how this volume handles it that makes this a stronger graphic novel. Serena does continue dating Lance in the story. She wants to get more from him, but he’s upset when she won’t talk about football. As his anger issues come to light, he grows even angrier at her when she doesn’t go to the games. Her parents try to support her, but they ultimately leave her to start figuring this out on her own. I do feel that if a real issue came to light, they would intervene. I did find myself wanting to yell at Serena for putting up with Lance. She should have dumped him. She was smarter than that, but she was smitten with Lance, even if it wasn’t convincing.

This is probably my only issue with this story. Serena seems smart enough to step away, and I couldn’t figure out why she was staying. She seemed to see the signs, but somehow she convinced herself to stay. I think I needed to see more of her thoughts and how she really justified it, but somehow I couldn’t really believe the back and forth between her and Lance.

Now, about Barry and James. Oh boy! They finally do more than just hang out on the sidelines. Mr. James quips about “you girls” which speaks to me in this culminating with a huge event involving the girls and the boys of previous volumes (especially when some disappearing). Barry’s office is shown more with the famous X-Files poster “I want to believe.” That somehow speaks volumes about him to me. His posters are so…mixed. He is definitely traveling around with Mr. James which he hints as much.

If you’ve missed something from the previous volumes (I know I did), its back in this one. An enjoyable read, and I forgot to mention that our girl is a little curvy in this one. Keep the monster loves coming!
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Bonus: Not so much as a bonus, but something confusing. Kirkus has this volume in their reviews, but the publication date says “May 1, 2013.” This is not exactly true as I found it in my library system, on the shelf, and Amazon (sorry, it’s the be-all/end-all on publication dates for me) says it is all ready out, so…maybe a misprint?

Source: Library copy.

I Date Dead People (My Boyfriend is a Monster 5)

Title: I Date Dead People (My Boyfriend is a Monster #5)
Author: Ann Kerns

Illustrator: Janina Gorrissen
Publisher: Graphic Universe (Lerner)

Copyright: 2012

Price: $29.27

ISBN: 978-0-7613-6007-0
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Nora and her siblings see ghosts, but they try not to tell their parents because their parents would freak out, or worse: bring in a ghost hunting show. Each sibling seems to have a ghost that follows them. For Nora, it is Tom Barnes, a teenager who died at the house over one-hundred years ago and could never seem to leave. The two instantly fall for each other, leading Nora to dismiss the attentions of the most popular boy at school.

What starts out as innocent haunting for the siblings though, takes a dark turn as angry ghosts begin to make themselves known and inhabit the house, forcing the family out of the house. Nora is determined though to bring her family home. Readers return to the series with a ghost love story of Tom and Nora.

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Recommended Audience: high school

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Things to be aware of: Ghosts
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Further Thoughts: Nora prefers to date Tom. Tom is a ghost. This intriguing ghost love story features our continuing recurring characters the guidance counselor and Mr. James. The added bonus is that Mr. James actually knows Nora’s father so we get to learn a little background information on him (and watch him freak out over the ghosts, which looks like a major hint of something).

As I’ve mentioned before, our heroines are pretty strong and know what they want in this series. Although, I find it odd that Nora doesn’t mind having a relationship with a ghost when the most popular guy at school likes her, but there is an appeal to a ghost who can’t leave the house. What makes Nora fantastic though is that she refuses to back down, as previous heroines have, when their love is out fighting. Nora is just as much a part of the solution as Tom is. Once again, the ending to this love story is not exactly what one might expect, which I like because it isn’t exactly a happy ending.

My only complaint is that while the art is fantastic, I swear the one character looks like Dicey from volume 1. This volume is illustrated by the same artist as volume 1, but the character isn’t Dicey. I was actually disappointed because I was hoping I was going to finally see some overlap in stories. It’d be nice to see how our previous characters are doing, but again, I don’t expect anything until a grand finale.

Although, something interesting to note is that between volume 1 and this volume, the town names both begin as “Saint.” Coincidence? Now I’ll have to go back and look at the names and see what kind of connection there is.

Once again, I’m impressed. This volume isn’t as strong as the beginning, but then, I’m still following it and I’m still interested in what is next and still want to know why our two characters keep appearing. Well done!

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Bonus:

Source: Library copy.

Lou!: Secret Diary

Title: Lou!: Secret Diary (volume 1)
Author: Julien Neel
Illustrator: Julien Neel
Publisher: Graphic Universe (Lerner)
Copyright: 2012
Price: $27.93
ISBN: 978-0-7613-8776-3
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Precocious tween Lou is in love with the boy across the street. How will she ever confess her love to him? Although, this is only one of the many problems she faces in this book. A few of the problems she faces include being taken seriously as a fashion designer, setting her mom up with the new neighbor, and helping her mom when it comes to a visit from Memaw (Grandma). Lou’s story is told in one to two page comic spreads that can easily be read in small sittings, but you have to read it in order as the spreads do build upon each other.
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Recommended Audience: upper elementary
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Things to be aware of: revealing clothing, characters in underwear.
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Further Thoughts: Oh look, another French import. My first thought when I grabbed this one was that I wasn’t going to enjoy it. Why? It was too bright, too kiddy, too girly, and lastly, it was Graphic Universe. I’m still not used to them putting out anything decent.

Well, this one was decent. Frankly, I enjoyed this a bit more than I thought I would. Lou is fun. Lou is actually really smart and a bit wise for her age of 12 going onto 13. Her mom is completely childish (I mistook her for an older sister in the beginning), but they obviously care about each other. Also, the timing in the comics is impeccable. I found something funny in everything, excepting Lou’s back story about her parents. That was just touching and I know that we’re going to be exploring that more in the future.

The art is colorful and things are easily recognizable, like cell phones and the now past Game Cube. I don’t think that detracts from the story though. It will be recognized as “video games” and the phone is still as cell phone. Otherwise, these are full color comics with fantastic, comedic details.

Any tween will easily relate from the fact their crush picks his nose to parent troubles to just general tween drama. A strong yet relatable heroine makes this a great pick for that tween generation.

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Source: Library copy.

Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Cardboard Box (#12)

Title: Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Cardboard Box (#12)
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Retold by M. J. Cosson & Murray Shaw)

Illustrator: JT Morrow & Sophie Rohrbach
Publisher: Lerner Publishing

Copyright: 2012

Price: $27.93

ISBN: 978-0761370901
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are called to help Lestrade investigate a mysterious package with disturbing contents sent to Miss Susan Cushing. Told in a bland tale about a bland adventure

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Recommended Audience: Upper Elementary

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Things to be aware of: Gross box contents
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Further Thoughts: When poking around Netgalley for interesting graphic novels to read I saw this title and thought “OH MY GOSH, Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Cardboard Box sounds great. What could be so mysterious about a cardboard box?” Sadly, it did not live up to the greatness that the title implies. If anything, I figured it’d be some hilarious zombie story that had me in stitches. Instead, it is the mystery of Miss Susan Cushing receiving a mysterious box with severed [spoiler] in it. BORING.

If this is a Sherlock Holmes story, I have yet to read this one or even hear about it or see it adapted with Jeremy Brett. Unless it was ages ago and I forgot, which tells you what I think the fate of this book will be: forgotten.

The text is unappealing. The art is unappealing (to me). The text is badly done: told not shown, not spiced up a bit. The words probably borrowed from Doyle or they were adapted to make it a more interesting and easier read for kids. Alas, it comes off stiff and dull. The art is not my thing at all. The characters are all bizarre shapes and Sherlock is a different skin tone than everyone else. Not to mention his chin: it grows, it shrinks. The only character who seems consistent and true to the tale is Dr. Watson.

Despite the word “adventure” in the title, this Sherlock Holmes lacks it. Pass for better adaptations, which I know are out there.

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Bonus:

Source: Netgalley.

Under His Spell (My Boyfriend is a Monster #4)

Title: Under His Spell (My Boyfriend is Monster #4)
Author: Marie P. Croall

Illustrator: Hyeondo Park
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group: Graphic Universe

Copyright: 2011

Price: $21.95

ISBN: 978-0-7613-5602-8
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Bethany is down to Earth. She is so down to Earth that she doesn’t let boys distract her from the important things in life: school and soccer. Her coach even suggests to her teammates they should be more like her. Her friends think she’s crazy for not being interested in boys, at least, that is until “foreign exchange student” (with pointy ears), Allein, shows up in her class. There is something about him that attracts her to him and she’s different enough that he notices her. Romance blossoms, but their first date could be their last. On a side note, our teacher from previous volumes is here (in case you were wondering), and the guidance counselor is up to something if he has most of the first page devoted to him.

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Recommended Audience: high school

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Things to be aware of: mild violence
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Further Thoughts: I’m worried we’ve hit that point in the series where it is going downhill. My first reaction to this one (volume 4) is “elves? Really? Come on!” Elves. Yes. Elves of the “Lord of the Rings” (movie) variety: flowing clothing, pointed ears, natural over the top furnishings, and ticked off daddy. More on that in a bit.

Actually, aside from my initial reaction, this series is still holding up, somewhat.

The series isn’t tripping on the one part that has made this fantastic so far: strong heroines. Bethany is still as strong as her fellow heroines. She refuses to sit low during a fight. If her life is threatened (which it was), she will fight for that and she’ll fight for what she loves: Allein (who has a bad habit of launching into speeches which give his attackers a chance to go after him, after their own speeches). She’s also very down to Earth about her future with Allein which is a nice change of pace and a nice reminder.

Now, Allein, the elf and love interest and, of course, the monster boyfriend. Simply, he’s kind of flat. He’s in that story line of “I’m an exiled prince and people want to kill me for the throne.” Bethany ends up prompting him into action a lot, but at least he was willing to see her for her and love her as she is, faults and all. It’s just a little creepy (when I think about it) about how he always has the right thing to say. Although, it’d be nice if boys really did work that way, huh? Simply, love/hate on that issue. (The Philosopher Musician is yanking at his collar at the moment.)

What makes this volume different from the others so far is that it includes full color spreads while they are visiting the elf world. There is the usual “we got kicked out of our homeland” speech, but seriously, they have color while the real world is black and white. The bit of the story that takes place in the elf land is sweet and a great explanation as to what is going on. It also gives Bethany a chance to prove to Allein’s Dad that they need to save the humans, no matter how horrible they are. I didn’t want the color spreads to end. They were just that much more of a treat.

Frankly, looking at this title, I have to debate whether it is worth continuing. If there has been interest in the first three, please do. If there hasn’t been, you can stop getting it now or, if you really like the strong heroines, consider switching over to the $10 paperbacks. Despite the elves and despite the art, it seems that the series is still holding true to the goals, but if I don’t get even a teaser of information on our beloved teacher and guidance counselor soon, I’m going to go nuts (unless it is like looking for Alfred Hitchcock in his movies, then fine, but make that clear sooooooon!).

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Bonus: Information on the elf world and the fae, with edits in the back of the book.

Source: Library copy (Publishing info from Netgalley. Didn’t get to Netgalley copy in time to read that version)

My Boyfriend Bites (My Boyfriend is a Monster #3)

Title: My Boyfriend Bites (My Boyfriend is a Monster #3)
Author: Dan Jolley

Illustrator: Alitha E. Martinez
Publisher: Graphic Universe (Lerner)

Copyright: 2011

Price: $29.27 ($21.95 for libraries)

ISBN: 978-0-7613-5599-1
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Vanessa Shingle repairs boyfriends. She seeks out what is wrong with him, figures out what he can do to improve himself, and sets out to do just that, with upsetting consequences. So, when the perfect fixer-upper boyfriend comes along in the form of Jean-Paul McClellan, she’s getting way more than she bargained for. First, she sets out to observe him and finds he can change into a bat and drinks blood. After that, vampires seem to be after her and he’s always there to rescue here. Way to send mixed signals, except Jean-Paul has a prophecy to destroy which includes vampires,and her destiny. Maybe after all that is dealt with Vanessa can go about fixing Jean-Paul, right?

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Recommended Audience: high school

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Things to be aware of: mild violence
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Further Thoughts: Oh man, vampires. I’m so over the vampire craze that my enjoyment of this book might have been dampened a little. The cover is reminiscent of a certain popular craze and unfortunately, the art has elements of the Twlight Manga, which makes me go eww. Not to mention, that some pages are dark edged and some are light edged, which I think means something, but I can’t figure it out.

I did enjoy this one though. Not as much, but a feisty heroine is still a good heroine to me. Yes, Vanessa needed a little more help from Jean-Paul than I thought was necessary, but Vanessa is a little lost about who she is and her future. The fact Jean-Paul puts her in her place regarding that in the end provides a great platform for “be yourself” and “don’t change others.” It is this speech at the end though that leaves the door wide open for this plot line and these characters to return.

Other characters though, I hope will return in volume 4. In volume 3, I finally noticed that the guidance counselor and the teacher are familiar. In book 2, in Alaska, we had Gary Barry, Guidance Counselor, and Mr. James, orchestra director. In this volume, in New Mexico, we have Gary Barry, Guidance Counselor, and Mr. James, English teacher. Mr. James plays a role in both of the plots and Gary “counsels” both main characters. I can’t wait to see if these guys appear again in volume 4. Something overarching is set up in these volumes and I can’t wait to start seeing them overlap, although, I’m not expecting it to happen until further down the line.

Once again, Graphic Universe has a good series on its hands. The artwork is consistent despite different illustrators (although, this volume had more soft edges than I liked) and the characters have a certain spunk and spirit that just continues through the story. Libraries with limited funds, looking for long lasting comic appeal, should really consider these.

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Bonus: Character sketches, Q&A with Vanessa.

Source: Library Copy.

I Love Him to Pieces (My Boyfriend is a Monster #1)

Title: I Love Him to Pieces (My Boyfriend is a Monster #1)
Author: Evonne Tsang

Illustrator: Janina Gorrissen
Publisher: Graphic Universe (Division of Lerner)

Copyright: 2011

Price: $29.26

ISBN:978-0-7613-6004-9
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: The worst has happened. Jack Chen, ultra science nerd is the father of jock girl Dicey Bell’s baby egg. What’s worse is that after the two week period the two start to date (ok, not so bad). The end is neigh, Jack accidentally predicts. How true it is because after a baseball game, the deadly flesh eating fungus his parents have been trying so hard to contain, hits their town of St. Petersburg, Florida. So begins Jack and Dicey’s relationship and the zombie apocalypse. Together, jock and nerd (although, she’s more like the Honor Society Jock type I went to school with) work to save the town, but what happens when Jack gets bit?

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Recommended Audience: high school

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Things to be aware of: mild violence
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Further Thoughts: The kick off to the series My Boyfriend is a Monster starts with a strong punch and an interesting message: appearances can be deceiving. Dicey happens to be the only girl on the baseball team. Jack happens to be tied into what is going on and knows what is happening. They are quite the pairing. They both probably liked each other from the start, but it took a little adventure and an egg to get them to realize it.

The humor that is prevalent in the series* is still there as there are moments of seriousness broken by some slight humor. The Zombie apocalypse is serious and remains that way, but the positive attitude keeps the story fresh and moving. Dicey and Jack are determined to make it out alive.

*(As a side note, yes you can read this series out of order, I read this after book 2&3).

Here’s another good point to the series: strong, determined heroines. Dicey is determined and doesn’t let boys stop her from being in baseball. She’s one of the guys, yet she is obviously feminine. In the series, you see the strong heroines who take charge and I enjoy that as it is hard to find strong women who have guys, but still have their identities.

The illustrations are black and white, and consistent with the rest of the series, despite a different artist. The recurring character of Mr. James is introduced in this volume, only slightly, and now I really want to know what his role will be.

Simply enjoyable. A good one from Graphic Universe.

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Bonus:

Source: Library copy.

Made for Each Other (My Boyfriend is a Monster #2)

Title: Made For Each Other (My Boyfriend is a Monster #2)
Author: Paul D. Storrie

Illustrator: Eldon Cowgur
Publisher: Graphic Universe (Lerner)

Copyright: 2011

Price: $29.27 ($21.95 for libraries)

ISBN: 978-0-7613-5601-1 (Lib Binding)
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Nothing interesting happens in Persephone Falls (Alaska), although, right from the start we learn Gary Barry, the Guidance Counselor is worried about Maria McBride and how she might react to the recent loss of three of her classmates (who all happened to be cheerleaders and named Erica). She’s fine and with that, she runs into new kid Tom, on her way to class. Mysterious Tom will be joining her in three of her classes. It isn’t until 6^th period that day that Tom finds Maria, alone, practicing her violin. Entranced, Tom sneaks up on her and discovers her amazing talent also goes with her amazing looks. What follows is a crazy story about Tom and Maria’s courtship as they try to navigate the fact that he’s, well, Frankenstein’s Monster’s son.

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Recommended Audience: High School

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Things to be aware of: Mild violence.
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Further Thoughts: Yep. That’s right, this volume tackles Frankenstein’s creation, who in this story is Franklin Stone, the town’s new funeral director. The town suddenly has a rash of accidents that does make the town suspicious of what is going on, because something just isn’t right, especially with Tom B. Stone (yep, you read that right), Franklin’s son. Do the accidents have something to do with Heddy Graves (who was supposed to be Heddy Stone)?

It is quirky bits like the characters’ names that make this volume so enjoyable. My favorite scene in the book is straight from a horror movie spoof. Tom is ripping his shirt off during a loud crack of thunder to show Maria who he is. This panel takes up a full page. On the next page, you see Maria covering her eye and complaining about a button that hit her. The smirk on Tom’s face is ADORABLE, and you know then, that Maria and Tom are meant for each other for sure.

Even though this is number 2, this is the first one I read (cover to cover). From glancing at book one and after reading book 3 (review coming), the art is consistent despite the change in artists. The plot is solid and, for a Graphic Universe title, fantastic. With the zombie, vampire, werewolf crazes going on right now, these books fit right in, and more. There is very little involving technology in this book that won’t make it dated (even fashions are plain enough to withstand time). The outrageous plot is believable enough to enjoy, and it reads like a movie, a spoof and updated horror movie. For a Graphic Universe title, this one deserves shelf space and since it is from a group that markets mostly to libraries, this is a worthwhile title to make room for on your shelf. You might be able to push the classic Frankenstein onto lovers of this book. Knowledge of the book certainly makes this more fun, but even if you haven’t read the classic, it is enjoyable.

Horror, romance, a little comedy and poking fun. Who could ask for more?

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Bonus: Fun little question and answer about dating someone like Frankenstein’s Monster.

Source: Library copy.

Ready for a Treat?

No Sunday review today, but I have a good reason (aside from it is a Holiday). Are you ready to hear it?

This week, I'm giving you a special treat: a week's worth of reviews (rather, 5 days worth). If you've been wondering about the series "My Boyfriend is a Monster" published by Lerner Publishing's Graphic Universe, you'll get to see my take on the series here, all week (rather, the next 5 days). I'll be reviewing all 5 volumes that are out at this point. I will admit though, that the review for volume two will be first, but you'll see why when I review it Monday.

Enjoy!