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Tag Archives: graphic novel review

Lenni Reviews: “Cannonball” by Kelsey Wroten

03 Friday May 2019

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This is the story of Caroline Bertram as she sets out after graduation to living on her own for the first time and her struggles to not only make money with her writing but to be fulfilled by it as she does.

Caroline is an entitled, self important, grating, judgmental, jackass who somehow comes through all her faux pretentiousness and still made me feel for her. She perfectly encapsulates the need to be yourself when you don’t know what that ‘self’ is and also what happens when you create something for the world and is no longer yours.

Despite how frustratingly self destructive and pompous this character is, she is inherently relatable. Much like her in universe friends, Caroline is a jerk but we love her anyway. 4.8 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “The Tale of Genji: Dreams at Dawn” Vol. 1 by Waki Yamato

01 Wednesday May 2019

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

This is a manga adaptation of the original tale, giving us the story of the shining prince, Genji as he tries to escape the shadow of his forbidden love.

The original book is still on my To Be Read list so I can’t compare the story but I can say this book is pretty to look at but confusing. The art is pretty but I had difficulty telling people apart because of the style. It’s delightfully detailed in some aspects; like the flowers and the clothes. But I had trouble with the faces because they were all designed so similarly. And the dialogue didn’t help; leaving me baffled as to who was who in the hierarchy and why it was important. One day I’ll read the original book but as a taste of it, this manga isn’t so bad. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “NewsPrints” by Ru Xu

29 Monday Apr 2019

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Masquerading as a boy, Blue loves her job as a newsboy delivering papers so people can be informed in a time of war. The paper she works for is the only one that tells the truth so her job can be perilous. While on the run from boys from a rival paper, she happens upon an eccentric scientist and then a young boy named Crow with strange secrets of their own.

This is a cute little book in a steampunk sort of world with odd gadgets and scientists with goggles. While overall entertaining and gorgeous to look at, this is a familiar story; plucky girl, quirky scientist, enigmatic boy with a secret, and government secrets. If you’ve never read something like this before, you may enjoy this more than I did. Not to say I didn’t like it or have fun reading it but I have seen this all before. 3.6 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Shiver” By Junji Ito

27 Saturday Apr 2019

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is suggested for mature readers.

In yet another collection, Junji Ito continues to simultaneously impress me all while wondering why I keep chomping at the bit to read his work. Some of these stories feel a tad clipped but when you’re trying to keep things short, it can’t be helped. Ito really is a master of what he does even if I have to read happy things for awhile whenever I pick up a book of his. 4.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “That Blue Sky Feeling” Vol. 2 by Okura, Coma Hashii

26 Friday Apr 2019

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*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.

Now that Noshiro and Sanada are closer friends, new wrinkles arise in the form of long time crushes and a new face who is jealous of Noshiro and Sanada’s friendship.

I simply cannot get over how sweet this book is. It’s just so damn genuine and innocent I find myself re-reading these volumes over and over. I hope it doesn’t devolve into something tawdry and dark because it’s the lighthearted nature of this series that keeps me coming back! I look forward to seeing where this book goes. 4.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Saint Young Men” by Hikaru Nakamura

25 Thursday Apr 2019

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

In this answer to the question “What if Jesus and Buddha went on vacation” we have a thoroughly enjoyable and hilarious set of stories about these two powerhouses of the heavens living a normal(ish) life in Japan. If you’re not into ‘slice of life’ stories, this will bore you but I found it endearing and fun! Both religions are treated with respect and the translation notes are exceedingly helpful for some of the side humor. It wanders a little but that comes with slice of life stories. I had a lot of fun reading this volume but it’s hard to see where this would keep going for multiple volumes without getting repetitive. 4.8 out of 5.

 

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Lenni Reviews: “Midnight Radio” by Iolanda Zanfardino

20 Saturday Apr 2019

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*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review and is suggested for mature readers.

A mysterious late-night broadcast interrupts regular radio broadcasting; impacting the lives of four very different people.

I honestly don’t want to spoil too much of this because it’s gorgeous to read this book. Each of the different characters and stories have a different color palate. This was an absolute delight to read. It features people of color, LGBT, and an aging rocker with out seeming pandering or ticking off marks on a checklist. It may start off slow but it sets itself up for a satisfying conclusion and sticking to theme of being true to yourself and living your dreams. I finished this book genuinely touched; even if it was a little too much of a happy ending. I’m too cynical I guess. 4.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “The Black Bull of Norroway” by Cat Seaton & Kit Seaton

10 Monday Dec 2018

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Sibylla is given a prophecy as a young girl that she will marry a monster named The Black Bull and despite dreaming of a life of adventure, she goes willingly when the beast appears at her door years later. They embark on a quest to break his curse but no one will tell Sibylla why this curse exists or if it should be worth her life to end it.

This is an impressive and interesting start to a young adult series with very strong characterization for such a short volume. Sibylla is a strong woman obviously out of her depth with all the mystical things suddenly surrounding her but she strives to learn as much as she can. I enjoyed following her through this journey and I look forward to the next one! 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Abara: Complete Deluxe Edition” by Tsutomu Nihei

26 Monday Nov 2018

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*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.

*This review has been cross-posted to Otakus and Geeks.

In a dystopian landscape, creatures known as White Gauna have awakened, threatening to devour the city’s populace and destroy everything. The Observation Bureau enlists the help of Denji Kudou, a Black Gauna. But as more and more White Guana appear, Kudo may not be enough to save the city from destruction.

While the story is interesting and the art amazing – brutally awesome and detailed – you are tossed into this story without much guidance. How are these creatures bonded to people? What’s the technology level of a world full of all these cybernetics and how did they learn to use them on these beings? What’s the deal with the talking skeleton bird? You will not get much in the way of clear answers here.

That being said, Nihei tells a great story here. It reminds me of Battle Angel Alita with the impressive creature design and ultra-violence. This edition also includes some full-color art, pull out pages with larger art, and a side story “Digimortal.” This would make a great gift or a worthy addition for a collector. 3.9 out of 5.

This book will be released December 18th, 2018.

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Lenni Reviews: “Perdy” Volume 1 by Kickliy

20 Tuesday Nov 2018

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After 15 years in prison, Perdy is anxious to get back to her life of crime, despite her love of sex and bank robbery landing her behind bard in the first place. She’s on the prowl for one last big score and everyone better get out of her way.

I admire the art style; reminding me of old comic strips like The Adventures of Tintin and much like those old comics, don’t expect a lot of political correctness. Perdy is unapologetically vulgar, fucks who she wants, brawls when she wants, and fuck you for even saying one word about it. She’s even down to steal her daughter’s suitor if she feels like it.

This book is just rip-roaring fun if you can check your prudishness at the door and I wouldn’t mind seeing what happens next! 3 out of 5.

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