Graphic Novels
‘A Man and His Cat, Vol. 2’ by Umi Sakurai: Grief, Healing, and the Softening of Walls
One of the standouts of this series thankfully remains the art style. Sakurai’s choice to keep the animals soft and rounded is in direct contrast to the more angular feeling of the human characters. This feels deliberate and symbolic. The contrast highlights the purity and vulnerability of the animals against the guarded and often harsher nature of the people in the series. To my surprise, in Volume 2 something shifted.
A Pretty Picture of Nothing: ‘Every Day’ Looks Good, Says Little
But here’s the thing. We know almost nothing about A. No origin. No family. No real sense of where this ability comes from or what it costs. That lack of grounding made it hard to connect with them. They started to feel detached. Almost arrogant. Like someone who believes they understand everything simply because they’ve seen so many lives.
Monsters, Friendship, and Fun: ‘The Last Kids on Earth’ Breaks the rules.
Jack was left alone in this post-apocalyptic world. He’s an orphan, so it wasn’t new to him, the feeling of loneliness. But this time, it’s different. He has his friend, Quint, whom he needs to find. And his crush, June, whom he needs to save. But are they still alive? Is there a point in wandering around town looking for these people?
A Wild Green Appeared: ‘Pokémon Adventures Vol. 2’ Keeps the Madness Coming
Since the revelation that the series took the battle mechanic literally, this series has consistently caught me off guard, but in the best way. Like the first volume, Pokémon Adventures Vol. 2 was bot familiar, yet utterly unhinged. The mirroring of the old Gameboy games stirs up just enough nostalgia to keep you feeling comfortable, and then they hit you with the deviations
‘SNAPDRAGON’ by Kay Leyh Is Full of Magic, Curiosity, and a Little Bit of Roadkill
In Snap’s town, there is a witch. Well, at least that's what the people of the town say. Rumours abound. But, in reality, there is simply an old woman. An old woman who prefers her own company. Oh, and articulating roadkill, and selling them online. This means the people of the town fear her. But Snap isn’t afraid of witches, Snap thinks witches are cool.
Kagurabachi, Vol. 1: A familiar Tale carried by Striking Art
At its core, this is a revenge story. There’s nothing groundbreaking or new about it, but the art truly elevates what would otherwise be a familiar story. The style felt familiar, almost like a homecoming. The art redeemed this story for me and ensured I kept turning pages eagerly.
Breaking Stereotypes: A Deep Dive into ‘Squire’ by Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh
Aiza’s journey is masterfully brought to life, creating an experience that is both personal and expansive. Aiza feels trapped, caught between who she is told she is and who she wants to be. Her future isn’t hers to decide, and this doesn’t sit well with her. When an opportunity presents itself, she knows that this is the chance she has been wishing for.
Beyond the Darkness: Aleksander Lost in Bardugo's 'Demon in the Wood'
Demon in the Wood explores the history of the series’ core antagonist, Aleksander. A shadow-summoner from a world where magic is entirely shunned. People like Aleksander and his mother are called witches by ordinary folk—but among themselves, they go by the name Grisha. A term for people who can manipulate certain elements: water, air, or fire. There are those with the power to stop the beating of a heart. But Aleksander and his kin, they control darkness.
Back to Pallet Town: ‘Pokémon Adventures' Unexpected Gore and Heartfelt Charm
Pokémon Adventures, Vol. 01, by Hidenori Kusaka and illustrated by Mato, dives headfirst into the nostalgia of the Pokémon world. Growing up in the '90s and early '00s, a slight obsession with Pokémon was practically a rite of passage, and even now, that love for the pocket monster universe only seems to intensify. So, continuing my quest through the library's manga collection, I eagerly grabbed Pokémon Adventures when I saw it.
Everyday Magic in 'My Beijing' by Nie Jun: A Graphic Novel Review
The story follows Yu’er and her grandfather in a Hutong in Beijing, China, as they experience four interconnected stories: Yu’er’s Dream, Bug Paradise, The Letter, and Kids at Heart. Each of these tales showcases the magic found in the everyday, with quiet moments of wonder woven through. I personally really enjoyed Kids at Heart, as its endearing and tender nature stood out in a way that really resonated with me. My partner was particularly excited to read Bug Paradise because of the... well, bugs.