Review: Ghostbusters Volume 1 by Tristan Jones

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Are you troubled by strange noises in the middle of the night?

Do you experience feelings of dread in your basement or attic?

Have you or any of your family ever seen a spook, specter, or ghost?

If the answer is yes, call the professionals!

Psychokinetic energy is on the rise again, business is booming for the boys, and Ray is troubled by what could be a prophetic dream. Is this an ill omen of an upcoming apocaplypse, or just a little indigestion?

MY TAKE:

If there's something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Well, the answer is pretty obvious if you grew up in the '80s and '90s.

For those who are too young to remember, the Ghostbusters are Peter Venkman, Egon Spengler, Winston Zeddemore and Raymond Stanz, and their name is pretty self-explanatory.

In Ghostbusters Volume 1, paranormal activity is up and things are going great for the Ghostbusters. I'm not quite sure where this story fits on the GB timeline, but I think it may be near the start,, because there's a special appearance from a character whom GB fans are sure to recognize.

I liked that this comic book was able to sufficiently develop two story lines in the span of one comic book. This series definitely has a lot of potential.

Thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the e-ARC. Publication date of Ghostbusters Volume 1 is on March 20, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. Plot is true to the spirit of the series.
2. Illustrations are above par.
3. Nostalgia!

THE BAD:

1. Some may not like the slight change in the characters' looks.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

READ IT IF:

1. You're a fan of the Ghostbusters.
2. You like supernatural/paranormal comic books.
3. You miss the '80s.

RATING:



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Review: Pariah by Aron Warner

SUMMARY FROM PARIAHONLINE.COM:

A twelve-book graphic novel series from the mind of Oscar-winning film producer Aron Warner, illustrations by Eisner-nominated Brett Weldele, written by Philip Gelatt, and published by Sea Lion Books.

The series follows the adventures of a group of ‘vitros’ – genetically enhanced children with “beyond-human intelligence” – who go on the run after being framed for the release of a deadly virus.

MY TAKE:

There are a lot of superhero/superhuman books and series out there, so I was kinda expecting this to be something that's already out there.

Pariah is basically the story of a group of vitros or humans that are mentally advanced and are seen as the enemy by the more normal humans.

Reading Pariah is a lot like reading a book written in the first person. It's an interesting approach that works well with the story.

The story and the way it is told is much like the first few seasons of Heroes. That is, it's the special humans versus the humans who don't understand them. So, if you liked Heroes, you'll like this. It can get a little violent, though, so I wouldn't recommend it to the squeamish.

Thanks to Sea Lion Books for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. It's an interesting premise.
2. The characters are interesting.
3. The writing style and the illustrations mesh well.

THE BAD:

1. The illustration style may not work for everyone.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

It's in the specifics and the details that life will surprise you.

READ IT IF:

1. You liked Heroes.
2. You like action-packed graphic novels.
3. You like sci-fi novels.

RATING:



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Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Volume 1 Change is Constant by Kevin Eastman

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles return to comics in their first IDW adventure!

It's a different world for the Turtles. The group is broken as Raphael wanders the streets of NYC in search of food and shelter. His brothers and Master Splinter are on the search, but so far all they can find is trouble - in the form of mutant alley cat Old Hob and his gang of criminals!

The very core of the Turtles family is at stake as the new origin of TMNT is revealed! Join Tom Waltz, Dan Duncan, and TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman for the start of a wild ride!

MY TAKE:

It's been years since I saw the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and, man, have I missed them.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Volume 1 Change is Constant begins with a confrontation between Splinter and the Turtles and Old Hob and his gang. Raphael isn't there, though.

This story also shows us a little bit about the origins of the Turtles and Master Splinter. Now, because I was young when I watched the series, I only remember bits and pieces about the show. Therefore, I don't really remember if they discussed how Splinter and the Turtles got their names. If they did, I didn't see that episode, because I remember wondering why they were named after artists. This comic book tells us why.

April O'Neil makes a welcome cameo, and I was kinda hoping to see Shredder too. Maybe he'll show up in the next issues.

Thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for providing me with an e-ARC. Publication date of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Volume 1 Change is Constant is on February 28, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. Drawing style and coloring.
   
2. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back!
3. Interesting storyline, though not much is revealed yet.

THE BAD:

1. Too short and not much happens until the end of the book.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

READ IT IF:

1. You grew up watching the series.
2. You miss the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
3. You want to see what the hype was all about.

RATING:



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Review: Archie: Americana Vol. 3: The '60s

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

The sensational sixties, a time of dreams, hopes, revolution, and social change! At the forefront of the decade were the nation's youth, enjoying the latest fads, speaking their minds, and defining a generation. Ever timeless, Archie and his friends came along for the ride, exploring both the fun and mores of the times with their unique brand of humor, as only they could! But Archie Comics was also around to remind everyone "the more things change, the more they stay the same!" Whether getting tangled up in the eternal love triangle or incurring the wrath of the principal and Veronica's father, Archie scaled new heights of hilarity!

MY TAKE:

If you're an Archie fan like me, then Archie: Americana Vol. 3: The '60s is definitely a must-buy for you.

It contains 31 stories plus some filler material like pin-ups. The e-ARC that was provided to me only had the first 25 pages, but I was still able to read through a few stories. That's the nice thing about Archie comics: you get more than just one story.

The stories that I read were classic Archie. By that I mean Archie is annoying Mr. Lodge or doing not-so-smart things, Veronica and Betty are bonding over clothes or other things, and Jughead is Archie's sidekick.

I don't know how good the rest of the book is, but from what I saw, this is a pretty decent installment.

Thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the e-ARC. Publishing date of Archie: Americana Vol. 3: The '60s is on February 14, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. There are a lot of stories in this graphic novel.
2. It's vintage Archie.
3. The stories have that old sitcom feel.

THE BAD:

1. Those who grew up in the 2000s might not be able to relate to some of the stories.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Whatever happened to the push-button age?

READ IT IF:

1. You're an Archie fan.
2. You like or miss the '60s.
3. You want to have a good laugh.

RATING:

Review: The Last Airbender: The Promise Part 1 by Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino, Gene Yang

SUMMARY FROM GOODREADS.COM:

The wait is over! Ever since the conclusion of Avatar: The Last Airbender, its millions of fans have been hungry for more--and it's finally here!

This series of digests rejoins Aang and friends for exciting new adventures, beginning with a faceoff against the Fire Nation that threatens to throw the world into another war, testing all of Aang's powers and ingenuity!

* The continuation of Airbender and the link to its upcoming sequel, Legend of Korra!

MY TAKE:

Just so you know, I am a huge fan of Avatar, so this review might be a little biased. :P

This book picks up where the series left off. Aang has defeated Fire Lord Ozai and Zuko is now the Fire Lord. In an effort to continue restoring peace to the four nations, Zuko, Aang and Earth King Kuei decide to dismantle the Fire colonies in the Earth kingdom. That's when the trouble begins.

I really liked the plot of this graphic novel/comic book. I don't want to reveal too much of the plot, but let's just say that the plot felt very organic and it flows naturally with the cartoon series. I'm sure that a lot of people will be able to relate or at least understand the characters', especially Zuko's, point-of-view.

I liked that the sense of humor that defined the cartoon series, and was lacking in the movie, is back in this novel. The characters were their usual selves, especially my favorite little metalbender/earthbender Toph, but Aang and Katara were way too cheesy for my taste. :D

Thanks to NetGalley and Dark Horse Comics for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. It's vintage Avatar: The Last Airbender.
2. Brilliant plotline and writing.
3. It makes you eager to read the rest of the series.

THE BAD:

1. The second book doesn't come out until May.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Harmony requires four separate nations to balance each other out! You can't have balance if one nation occupies another!

READ IT IF:

1. You're an Avatar: The Last Airbender fan.
2. You like graphic novels.
3. You like comic book that keep you on the edge of your seat.

RATING:

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