This year I'm going to try to do a better job of keeping up with graphic novels. So much to read, so little time... -Lynnie
By Rainbow Rowell & Kris Anka
So... these were tough for me. 5 stars for story, 3 for artwork, so a 4 overall.
I'm an old-school Runaways fan from whence they sprang from the imagination of Brian K. Vaughn, then were carried on through the minds of Whedon and Moore. I had my doubts about the new incarnation in large part because, as a fan of Rainbow Rowell's contemporary fiction, I had my doubts about Rowell as a comic author. I worried that it was just another comic PR stunt (see Jodi Picault's Wonder Woman) that would ruin this cast of characters I so adore. And so, I waited to read it. All these years (& successful volumes later I might add), I've finally decided to jump back in and I'm so glad that I did!
Full apologies to Rowell, I should have had more faith! I loved the direction she
took the characters (and not just because she resurrected my beloved Gert), but because she treated them, and the experiences they've had, with the respect they deserved. They sat in the discomfort, they talked about some stuff, they also ignored some stuff because they are still young and dumb and learning. It was just exactly what I wanted it to be.
I'm an old-school Runaways fan from whence they sprang from the imagination of Brian K. Vaughn, then were carried on through the minds of Whedon and Moore. I had my doubts about the new incarnation in large part because, as a fan of Rainbow Rowell's contemporary fiction, I had my doubts about Rowell as a comic author. I worried that it was just another comic PR stunt (see Jodi Picault's Wonder Woman) that would ruin this cast of characters I so adore. And so, I waited to read it. All these years (& successful volumes later I might add), I've finally decided to jump back in and I'm so glad that I did!
Full apologies to Rowell, I should have had more faith! I loved the direction she
took the characters (and not just because she resurrected my beloved Gert), but because she treated them, and the experiences they've had, with the respect they deserved. They sat in the discomfort, they talked about some stuff, they also ignored some stuff because they are still young and dumb and learning. It was just exactly what I wanted it to be.
That said, I'm sorry to say I don't love the style of Kris Anka, though I'm sure over time it will grow on me. I feel this way whenever characters I know well get a makeover so I know it's a me issue and not a Kris Anka issue. The characters just don't look the way my brain is used to seeing them.
I was glad to see them follow up with Klara in Volume 2 and, more than once, I laughed out loud at these no-longer-quite-so-young people. I gasped at the final page of Volume 2, so I can't wait to see what happens in Volume 3 which is always a good sign.
I'm eager to keep reading the series though I'm going to try to put some space and a few books between my reading just to make it last a little while and not blaze through. Overall, I'm very happy to be back with some old fictional friends.
by Donny Cates, Geoff Shaw (Artist), Dee Cunniffe (Colourist), & John J. Hill (Letterer)
This
was a fun book based on a really interesting idea. The characters we
all know and love from various fictional universes appear in the real
world in Denver, CO and, as one would expect, chaos ensues. Eventually, a
super-powered being puts a force field around Denver with the idea that
the fictional characters can fight it out or sort it out amongst
themselves while the rest of the world carries on.
Of course, life is never quite that simple is it? Fictional characters have escaped Denver and are generally rejected by society or wanted as criminals. It's no surprise that most of the comic characters in this series are smaller, lesser known, or independent characters; Superman and Iron Man don't need this kind of exposure. Still, there are cameos by characters you will recognize and each of those is amusing. Without the "major" characters, though, the story itself is still strong and engaging. It has to be because it doesn't have beloved characters to lean on as a crutch, and I really appreciated that.
I didn't think the big end reveal was particularly shocking, but I enjoyed watching it unfold none the less. There is one character however who could have been written almost entirely out of this book. Other than starting the fire that sent Ellie on the run, I've yet to see what Ryan is going to bring to this story but I hope they'll get to that in Volume 2. I'm eager to see what happens next in this land of chaos. So far it's one heck of a ride!
Of course, life is never quite that simple is it? Fictional characters have escaped Denver and are generally rejected by society or wanted as criminals. It's no surprise that most of the comic characters in this series are smaller, lesser known, or independent characters; Superman and Iron Man don't need this kind of exposure. Still, there are cameos by characters you will recognize and each of those is amusing. Without the "major" characters, though, the story itself is still strong and engaging. It has to be because it doesn't have beloved characters to lean on as a crutch, and I really appreciated that.
I didn't think the big end reveal was particularly shocking, but I enjoyed watching it unfold none the less. There is one character however who could have been written almost entirely out of this book. Other than starting the fire that sent Ellie on the run, I've yet to see what Ryan is going to bring to this story but I hope they'll get to that in Volume 2. I'm eager to see what happens next in this land of chaos. So far it's one heck of a ride!
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