Past Due Reviews [3]

Marvels X #1 by Alex Ross, Jim Kreuger, Well-Bee

Synopsis (via Goodreads): David has a problem. He lives in a world of monsters that would love to devour him. He’s the last boy on Earth. The last human being on Earth. And these creatures that see him only as prey, they’re his former neighbors. He has one hope: to get to New York. To get to where Captain America and the rest of the heroes are. Alex Ross and Jim Krueger combine their abilities with artist Well-Bee to tell a very uncanny prequel to the legendary EARTH X trilogy.

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I started keeping track of my thoughts with a thread on Twitter, but decided to turn them into a post! Then I spent an hour making a graphic for A Handful of Reviews, since I stopped using Mini Reviews (they were never short, so it felt weird to call them Mini Reviews). What do you think?

The synopsis tells us that David is the last boy on Earth, but you wouldn't know that simply by reading the issue. He does say something about short people not lasting very long, and I thought he was referring to children, but it wasn't clear. I'm also not sure why the blurb says he's the last human being on Earth either... after the ending, that part is a little confusing. 

I do like David as a character, and feel like he's going to have a lot to offer the story, but he will likely travel down a dangerous path to get there. He doesn't think very highly of himself, but hopefully that will change once he realizes he's not as weak as he seems to believe. He's survived this long, right? I'm also very curious about his sister.

The story is about a virus that's taking over the world... wait... that sounds familiar... The main character already has an interesting backstory, and the author managed to be very thorough (but not overly so) in a single issue. Mrs. Tree is a fave, obvs. Overall, I thought this was an excellent start to the story, and I cannot wait to see where it goes from here. I have the second issue lined up for tonight, so fingers crossed it keeps holding my attention! (★★★★☆)

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Stranger Things: Into the Fire #1 by Jody Houser, Viktor Kalvachev, Ryan Kelly, Le Beau L. Underwood, Triona Farrell

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Years after escaping Hawkins Lab, two of Dr. Brenner's former subjects seek to live normal lives. When news reaches them that the lab was shut down, they go on a harrowing search for Nine, a powerful pyrokinetic whose shattered psyche threatens to burn them all to ashes if they can't find her and free her from her own malevolent imagination. ''I can say with certainty this book is well worth reading — it adds to the TV show in surprising and satisfying ways.'' -AiPT! A pyrokinetic Hawkins Lab subject! See the true effects of Dr. Brenner's meddling experiments.

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I haven't seen Stranger Things (although it's a show that I've been meaning to watch) but I couldn't pass up an opportunity to read something written by Houser. She wrote Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows, and it's one of my all-time favorites!

I really liked the setup for this story, but more background information would've been helpful in this first issue. Maybe more flashbacks to give me a better understanding of the characters? Honestly, I can't recall their names and I read it a few hours ago. I know one of the main characters is a twin, and she escaped a really bad experimental facility with someone else. I'm definitely interested, but it didn't grab me from the start. If you've watched the show, this issue might make more sense! (★★★☆☆)

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Star #1 by Kelly Thompson, Carmen Carnero, Javier Pina

Synopsis (via Goodreads): BORN OF THE REALITY STONE, THE BREAKOUT CHARACTER FROM CAPTAIN MARVEL FLIES SOLO! Ambitious reporter Ripley Ryan rocked New York City when she became the hero STAR, adored by everyone. But in truth she was Dr. Minerva’s attempt at a Kree-human Super-Soldier. Desperate for the strength to control her own destiny, she tried to kill Captain Marvel — and failed. Ripley was left, defeated and powerless, in the Raft...or so she thought. The Reality Stone has found her, and now no prison can hold her. You thought you knew what the Infinity Stones were capable of. Think again.

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I knew nothing about Star going into this one, but I can already tell she'll be a character that I like! Ripley isn't your standard superhero, and I was getting some pretty strong villain vibes. She's quick to anger, and then tries to inflict as much damage as possible (without considering the innocent people she'd hurt). I'm not sure how she ties into Captain Marvel, but we get a brief history of their interactions and how they've impacted what's happening now. I definitely want to know more about Ripley's past and where she came from, but I'm content with what was shared.

Thompson is an incredible writer, and one of my all-time favorites, so of course I'm reading Star. I thought the first issue was fantastic, and we see two of my favorites: Jessica Jones and Loki. I'm not sure what Loki was trying to do, or how he knew what he did, but I hope he sticks around. Stories are always more interesting when he's involved! (★★★★☆)

At the start of this issue, Ripley hadn't left her apartment for weeks, so it's already relatable! ;)

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Miles Morales: The End #1 by Saladin Ahmed, Rahzzah, Damion Scott

Synopsis (via Goodreads): THE FINAL MILES MORALES STORY! Humanity makes its last stand in the only place strong enough to survive: BROOKLYN. Former Spider-Man, Miles Morales, leads the last bastion of civilization into the future! Penned by MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN author SALADIN AHMED!

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I should have mentally prepared for this one. I mean, the title says The End, and the synopsis claims it's the final Miles Morales story, so I shouldn't have been so surprised, but I couldn't help hoping for the best. Miles always finds a way to survive, to make a bad situation flip in his favor, but gah. Ahmed really got me with this issue.

Miles was everything I know him to be, only older and wiser. He still cracks jokes, cares deeply about the people in his life, and is willing to give his all to make the world a better place. It was fun seeing him as an old man, and how his life had drastically changed due to MUTATED GERMS. All of my reading today has been pretty spot on with what's currently happening in the world.

I adore Miles as a character, and I love what the author has done with him (in the ongoing series and this single issue). His family is fantastically complicated, but the love is there. He has amazing friendships, and is just a really freaking awesome person. He's been through some terrible ordeals that had me sobbing, but he still fights for what's right. He's the hero everyone needs. (★★★★★)

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Jessica Jones: Blind Spot #1-4 by Kelly Thompson, Valerio Giangiordano, Mattia de Iulis

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Jessica Jones was once the costumed super hero known as Jewel. She sucked at it. Now she’s a private investigator at her own firm, Alias Investigations. She sucks less at that. With the Purple Man gone, her relationship with her husband, Luke Cage, and their daughter, Danielle, is better than ever. But her past always comes knocking, and when a woman whose case she fumbled winds up dead on her office floor, Jessica goes from private investigator to prime suspect. Can she find the real killer and clear her name? The critically acclaimed Marvel Digital Original series by Kelly Thompson and Mattia De Iulis, released for the first time as a print miniseries!

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I am loving this! I'm bummed there are only 6 issues, because this should definitely be an ongoing series. Kelly Thompson mentioned being worried about following in the footsteps of the previous writer, but this is my favorite Jessica Jones ever. I enjoyed the television series, but Thompson has really made JJ stand out in a sea of endless comics. If they decide to restart the show, they should seriously consider bringing Thompson in for some all of the writing/storytelling, because this is by far the best portrayal of Jessica Jones I've seen.

Jessica is a PI, and her job isn't all that glamourous, but I think it suits her. However, this series hasn't really focused on the work JJ does, but something that's happening to her and other powerful women in the city. It's dark, gritty, and refreshing. The story is fan-fucking-tastic, and I love Jessica's dark sense of humor. I think the author nailed her personality and amplified all of her already awesome qualities.

I also love that Thompson is fond of crossovers in her comics! Kate Bishop made an appearance (All-New Hawkeye, West Coast Avengers) along with Elsa Bloodstone who showed up in Deadpool. In Star, JJ pops up unexpectedly, and it makes me so happy to see them outside of their individual comics.

This series has seriously gotten better and better! Jessica has an entire conversation with Elsa while battling sea monsters. It was gross, but also weirdly satisfying to observe. I definitely think those two deserve their own series! If you're looking for something new to read, make sure you pick this one up! (★★★★★)

My Weekly Pull [60] & Can't Wait Wednesday [30]

My Weekly Pull is something I do every Wednesday to show which comics I had pulled for me that week! If you're into comics, or you're looking to start, please join me! If you decide to do your own post, there's a link-up at the bottom. I would love to stop by and check it out!

Star Wars Age of Republic Padme Amidala #1 by Jody Houser, Cory Smith, Paolo Rivera

Jacob's comics for the week!

Amazing Spider-Man #16.HU by Nick Spencer, Iban Coello, Greg Land

Deadpool #10 by Skottie Young, Scott Hepburn

Jacob brought Star Wars Age of Republic Padme Amidala to my attention (that title is a mouthful!), and I've been on the fence about whether or not I want to read it. I'm getting the first issue because I've always liked Star Wars, and I'm curious how the story will look in a comic. I'm sure it'll be a different perspective, which is always interesting. Also, I love Padme! She's a fierce female that isn't afraid to fight for what she believes in. She's also competent, intelligent, and badass.

It's also written by Jody Houser, and I love her writing. She wrote Amazing Spider-Man Renew Your Vows and Spider-Girls. Both are excellent! Renew Your Vows is easily an all-time favorite!

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings, that highlights upcoming releases that we're anticipating and excited to read. It's a spinoff of the feature Waiting on Wednesday that was hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Fame Adjacent by Sarah Skilton

Expected publication: April 9th 2019

Synopsis (via Goodreads): The child star that was left behind is about to get her moment to shine in this swoony romantic comedy inspired by a unique, beloved facet of pop culture history: The Mickey Mouse Club.

Holly Danner has a complicated relationship with fame. It's not easy being the only cast member of a 1990s song-and-dance show who didn't become famous. When she was eleven, she used to do anything for a laugh (or at least a laugh-track) on "Diego and the Lion's Den." If she talked about it--which she almost never does--Holly might explain how her childhood best friends came to dominate the worlds of pop music, film, and TV while she was relegated to a few near-misses and a nanny gig for her niece. She'd even be telling the truth about making peace with the whole thing years ago.

But when she finds out there's a 25th anniversary for the show planned--a televised reunion, clip show, and panel--and she wasn't invited, it's time for an impromptu road trip to crash the event and set the record straight. Three problems: she's currently in Internet Rehab (perhaps she's not quite as well-adjusted as she believes...), she has no cash, and the only person who can get her across the country in time is Thom Parker, a handsome, infuriatingly level-headed patient who doesn't think she should confront her famous ex-friends.

If the book is anything like its blurb, I'm going to love this!

*Share your My Weekly Pull post! Please leave the direct link to your My Weekly Pull post and not just your blog's URL. Thank you for participating and happy reading!

Mini Reviews [13]

If My Moon Was Your Sun by Andreas Steinhofel

Nele Palmtag (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Did you hear the story about Max, the boy who kidnapped his grandfather from a nursing home ? You didn't see it on the news? Well, let me tell you about it.

Max lives in a small town, much smaller than yours. His grandpa is losing his memory, but still remembers quite a bit. You can imagine how they hurried, Max and his grandpa, followed by old Miss Schneider, who insisted on coming along. Why were they in a hurry? Because everyone was after them. Max had skipped school to rescue his grandpa, and they were just starting out on what promised to be one of the best days of their entire lives.

A touching story about dementia and the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, with full-color illustrations and a read-along CD audiobook featuring twelve classical pieces for children by Georges Bizet and Sergei Prokofiev.

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I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

If My Moon Was Your Sun made me feel both sad and hopeful. Max loves his grandfather, and they've always been close, but now he's in a nursing home across town. His grandfather has dementia, so it wasn't enough to just occasionally check on him at home. He needed constant care that Max and his mother couldn't provide. 

One day, Max decides to take his grandfather away from the nursing home, an adultnapping of sorts, so he can spend the day in a place that was familiar and meaningful. While I'm not entirely sure I believe the logistics of this story, it was sweet and enjoyable. A few of their conversations seemed random at the time, but they did come together at the end. I wish the story had flowed a little better, but instead it felt choppy and scattered.

Despite having a few issues, it was a lovely story overall. 

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Edison: The Mystery of the Missing Mouse

Treasure by Torben Kuhlmann
Expected publication: October 2, 2018

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A long time ago, one mouse learned to fly, another landed on the moon...what will happen in the next Mouse adventure?

From the creator of Lindbergh—The Tale of a Flying Mouse and Armstrong, comes Edison—The Mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure.

When two unlikely friends build a vessel capable of taking them to the bottom of the ocean find a missing treasure—the truth turns out to be far more amazing.

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I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

I really liked all of the illustrations for Edison, but some of the wording was weird. I was under the impression that this was a children's book, so saying things like "When I was young, I also went off on crazy adventures, risking life and limb like an idiot" seemed inappropriate. It wouldn't have taken much to phrase that a little differently.

This is another book that didn't flow well. It was almost like reading an old telegram. Words words words STOP words words STOP words... I felt like I kept having to stop and start again within the story. Some of their mousey comments didn't make sense either.

I liked the idea of mice being just as intelligent and independent as people. It made me think of the movie The Borrowers, but with rodents. They have homes, schools, can weld and invent -- one even went to the moon. It was an interesting story about using your brain to come up with a scientific solution to a problem. Trial and error, drawing out plans, researching, hypothesizing -- all of this was a great way to incorporate science into a children's story.

Wonderful book, although I wish it had been presented and worded just a tad differently.

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Amazing Spider-Man Renew Your Vows #21

by Jody Houser, Scott Koblish (Illustrator),

Eduard Petrovich (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): WEIRD SCIENCE CONTINUES! Is this the start of Annie Parker’s own clone saga? Can Peter and Mary Jane save her from herself? 

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Spider-Man has been cloned in the past, but it's different when his daughter is the target of a villain's scheme. Is it cloning? The person(s) they keep running into seem to have similar features and attributes, but there are some major differences.

We still don't know why the baddie is doing what they're doing, but we know it can't be anything good. I'm really enjoying the family dynamics and watching all three of them work together. They have to balance their superhero lives, and they also have to deal with regular family issues.

Annie may be Spiderling, but she's also a teenager in high school They don't always make the best decisions, and have to make their own mistakes in order to learn from them. However, her mistakes as Spiderling can have more severe consequences, so opening up to her parents as a superhero might be more necessary than opening up to them as their child.

The Amazing Spider-Man Renew Your Vows is still one of my favorites! I cannot wait to see where their story goes. Also, this comic has some of the best illustrations!

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Amazing Spider-Man #1 by Nick Spencer

Ryan Ottley (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): An alien invasion hits New York City and the only one who can stop it is…Spider-Man?! And if even that’s not enough, you’ll see a new roommate, new love interests – and a new villain! Spider-Man goes back to basics courtesy of Nick Spencer (SECRET EMPIRE, SUPERIOR FOES OF SPIDER-MAN) and the Marvel debut of RYAN OTTLEY (Invincible)! 

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I was really happy to start The Amazing Spider-Man from the beginning. There's a new writer, so that means new stories or old ones with a different perspective.

The first one was... interesting. All of the other superheroes seem annoyed with Spider-Man, but we're not really sure why. I believe Mayor Fisk (bad guy) has something to do with it. I know he wants to isolate Spider-Man, but it doesn't say whether or not he was successful in this issue.

Despite all the animosity directed at him, Spider-Man still does what he always does -- saves the world. He's been selflessly giving up everything about Peter Parker in order to maintain his secret identity and keep everyone safe. I've never thought it was fair how much Peter has lost over the years while being Spider-Man. He's always losing his job, his friends, and alienating his family. (I really wish after all this time he would tell Aunt May what he does. She wouldn't be disappointed, and he could better explain when things go wrong.)

It's too soon to have an opinion on the series as a whole, but the first issue was long. There are some additional stories in the back that give you a villain's perspective as well as something else Peter is dealing with. I really want to love this, so I hope it doesn't disappoint!

The Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows (#13-17) by Jody Houser

The Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows (#13-17) by Jody Houser, Nick Roche (Illustrator), Ryan Stegman (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Jump eight years into the future with the web-slinging and wall-crawling Spider-Man family! Peter Parker and Mary Jane's super-powered daughter, Annie, is now in high school. But when this teen isn't in class, she's swinging through the streets with her parents. After all, keeping New York safe from super villains is a family affair! But what new threat has emerged to menace the wall-crawlers?  

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This is definitely a new favorite! I don't normally read Spider-Man anything (there are so many comics it's ridiculous), but this one kept catching my eye. Jacob seemed to be enjoying it, and I mostly trust his judgement, but it was the covers that really sold me on this one. The artwork for this series has been phenomenal!

I think I would have enjoyed this before becoming a parent, but now the story really resonates with me. I grew up with Spider-Man, and now he has a family with a teenager (mine are not quite that old, but I remember being that age myself). They fight crime together, but also make an effort to live their normal lives. Annie is in high school trying to figure out where she belongs, Peter is taking pictures and trying new things, and MJ runs her own business.

The Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows highlights a lot of aspects about parenting: trusting your child, allowing them to be their own person, having discussions with your spouse about whether or not that child is actually being honest... it all feels so normal. They're just trying to make the day-to-day work while also being on alert for danger and mayhem.

And it's hilarious! I find myself frequently laughing out loud at some of the things being said. If you're new to comics, or just looking for something else to read, this is it.