Graphic Novels: Skyward, Marvel Verse: Shang Chi, and Y: The Last Man

Recently found myself with a handful of graphic novels available at the library, so I went on a little binge read.  -Lynnie 

 

Skyward, Volumes 1-3 by Joe Henderson, Lee Garbett (contributor), and Antonio Fabella (contributor)

I enjoyed this series quite a bit. A quick 3-volume read which certainly left the door open for more adventures in the low-g universe of Skyward. The characters, the art, the story- everything came together to make this a really accessible graphic title. I enjoyed Henderson's imagination and seeing how his characters and animals adjusted to a world with low gravity.  It was impossible not to cheer for Willa & Edison but if I have one complaint it's that the story felt rushed.

On the one hand, I appreciate when a story isn't dragged out artificially, but the last issue or two seemed to move at hyper speed in order to wrap up all the major storylines. Still, it's a great short series and I enjoyed it immensely.

 

Marvel Verse: Shang Chi  by Fred Van Lente

I haven't really read a lot of Shang-Chi books so perhaps this low rating is my own misguided expectations. This was one of the only Shang Chi books my library had so I thought it might be a good way to get to know the character before the Marvel film is released. Sadly, it's not. In most of the stories collected here, Shang-Chi is a secondary character. So, I'll have to keep looking for some different volumes to help me get to know the character better. Perhaps if you're more well-versed in Shang-Chi's story, this will be a satisfying collection.

 

 

Y: The Last Man by Brian K.    
Vaughan, Pia Guerra, and 
Jose Marzan, Jr.        

I read this series in the early 2000s when it was originally released and it has been a favorite since the first read. I wanted to remind myself of the storyline before the TV show is FINALLY released (seriously, I've been waiting decades for them to make this happen) & everything in it holds up. In fact, some bits feel even more relevant with the current COVID pandemic in the back of your mind as you read this. I don't know if I'll re-read the entire series, but I was very glad I picked this up & spent some more time with Yorick Brown, Ampersand, 355, & the rest of the crew. Brian K. Vaughn & Pia Guerra have truly created one of my all-time favorite comic series!