Graphic Novels

I read comic books and graphic novels pretty regularly but haven't blogged about them often (ever?); I'll try to be better about that in the future.  Here are some recent ones I've read to get the ball rolling.  -Lynnie 

The Umbrella Academy, Vol. 1: The Apocalypse Suite by Gerard Way (writer), Gabriel Bá (artist), and Dave Stewart (colorist)

I originally read this shortly after it was released and to be honest, I did not remember loving it. However, I do love the Netflix adaptation so I wanted to revisit the source material and decide if my initial impression had been wrong. Sadly it was not, I still don't love this series. The things I love about the adaptation- the diversity of the characters and the connections between them- are noticeably missing from this volume. The characters are generally one-dimensional, barely tolerate one another and there is little development of their personalities, abilities, or relationships with one another.

However, I love the cover artwork throughout by James Jean whose work I recognized immediately (and love) from Fables... his work is always stunning and really captures the mood of a story.


Deadly Class, Vol. 1 by Rick Remender (writer), Wes Craig (illustrator), Lee Loughridge (colorist)

This book has been on my radar for a while, but after watching the first episode of the SyFy series I wanted to check it out for myself. It starts out really interesting and looks like it’s going to be a real ride and then... it takes a seriously bizarre turn about midway through that left me scratching my head. I’m still trying to figure out if I’m interested or not, which probably doesn’t bode well for my reading the next volume. We’ll see though, never say never.

However, if you’re reading this because of the SyFy series you’re going to be disappointed I think. As with most comics turned movie/tv show, the series shines up the kids and the story to make them more pleasing to a wider audience. I suspect that after a few episodes it will barely resemble the comic. 


Saga, Vol. 8 by Brian K. Vaughan (writer), Fiona Staples (illustrator)

A fantasy series, Saga is about a married couple, Marco and Alana, who have fallen in love despite being from enemy planets engaged in a long-standing war.  Wanted by both planets (and others along the way), the couple must fight for their very existence with a cast of fascinating and unique characters who are friends, foes, and sometimes both. 

I continue to enjoy this series. Staples' artwork is consistently stunning and really, if you’re reading volume 8, you already know what you’re in for; you don’t need me to tell you. Brian K. Vaughn never disappoints (his Y: The Last Man is my favorite series of all time) and this series is no exception. 


Invincible, Vol. 25: The End of All Things by Robert Kirkman (writer), Ryan Ottley (illustrator), Cory Walker (illustrator), Nathan Fairbairn (colorist), Rus Wooten (letterer)      

Invincible is about Mark Grayson, an average teenage boy who just happens to be half extraterrestrial superhero.  As he grows into his abilities and into a man over the course of the series, he learns to cope with and accept who he is.  It's a series about family, acceptance, and yes, a lot of superhero space fights.  

My rating is for the entire series- 144 issues- which I have enjoyed immensely over the years. It has been my favorite active comic series for many years now and I am both sad and happy to see it end. I’ll rate this is as my second favorite complete series, behind Vaughn’s Y: The Last Man.

Robert Kirkman may be best known for The Walking Dead, but fans should not pass the opportunity to read his work here.  Thanks for the story Kirkman. I’ll miss your imagination and Ryan Ottley’s amazing art.