Graphic Novels- Quincredible, Thor, Locke & Key

Whether you call them graphic novels or comic books, doesn't change that I love reading them.  Here are a few of the ones I've spent time with lately. 
 -Lynnie 

Quincredible, Vol. 1: Quest to Be the Best by Rodney Barnes, Selina Espiritu (contributor), and Kelly Fitzpatrick  (contributor)


Come for the superheroes, stay for the social justice!

I stumbled onto Quincredible at the library and decided to try it out. It was an interesting book and particularly relevant to the #BlackLivesMatter movement. The story takes place in a universe that is apparently already established, but one I'm not familiar with- after Hurricane Katrina a meteor shower rains down upon New Orleans gifting some of its citizens with super powers. Quin develops invulnerability, but as a scrawny kid he doesn't quite know what to do with it- as he says, it just makes him a better punching bag for the local bullies. With the help of some other local super heroes, Quin learns how to use his ability to help his community and open himself up to his family and the girl he likes.

As a super hero story I didn't love it though. Quin rarely bothers to hide his face and uses his actual name in his superhero name so it's no surprise that his identity is discovered. I mean... obviously. Still, the social justice aspect of the book makes it worth reading.


Thor, Volume 1: The Goddess of Thunder by Jason Aaron (Writer), Jorge Molina (Illustrator), and Russell Dauterman (Illustrator)

I've heard about this title forever, but it took me a while to get it as I really haven't read Thor in... decades maybe? Anyway, it was a fun read- I really enjoyed a lot about the story, but I also thought some of it was clunky. Why did Thor give the new Lady Thor his name? Sure, the hammer gives you the power of Thor, but doesn't say you have to BE Thor. So who is Man Thor now? Is everyone just going to call him the Avenger formerly known as Thor? She needed her own name- that's all I'm saying. Also, to be five books in and not reveal WHO has become Thor now? Ridiculous. So yes, I cheated and looked at spoilers-I cannot say I was surprised. Why wait on the reveal, particularly when there were opportunities for it to be told.

Still, the story and the art were entertaining and I enjoyed reading it. I'll probably hunt down the next volume and find out where this goes. 


Locke and Key, Vol. 6: Alpha and Omega by Joe Hill, and Gabriel Rodriguez (Artist)

There's not a lot to say about a story well-told. This review is really for the entire series.

As I finished the final pages of Locke and Key, I found myself thinking back to how much all the characters have grown since the series began. I was particularly struck by Tyler- a forlorn kid, understandably full of regret and guilt in the first volume, he has grown into the man of Keyhouse both in appearance and action.

There is definitely closure in this issue, but it also leaves open the possibility of future stories of the Locke family and/or Keyhouse. Once again, the graphics are fantastic, adding depth and detail to the story. This was my first experience with Joe Hill's work, but I'm certain it won't be my last.